WORK on the new public services hub at the site of the recently demolished former Ellesmere Port bus station remains on track despite the challenges brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The hub, which is due to house more than 500 Cheshire West and Chester Council and Department for Work and Pensions staff, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Contractors VINCI Construction UK completed piling work prior to Christmas and this month will begin drainage works as well as completing bus stand 'F' at the town's new bus interchange which came into operation in November last year.

The construction of the hub and the new bus interchange along Civic Way form part of a £16m regeneration project, of which half has come from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

As part of the masterplan, the existing Ellesmere Port council offices will eventually be demolished to make way for new housing for 'families and young professionals', according to the council.

Chester and District Standard: The new Ellesmere Port bus interchange is now open.The new Ellesmere Port bus interchange is now open.

The new Ellesmere Port bus interchange.

Councillor Carol Gahan, cabinet member for legal and finance, said: "The reports from site are very encouraging, construction has been one of the essential business areas permitted to continue during the Covid restrictions.

"What this means is there is local work for other businesses and new employment opportunities as the new building progresses.”

Bretton Architectural and W.A.S.P, both based in Chester, and D Morgan PLC from Ellesmere Port have recently been brought in to work on the project.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s work zone team are working closely with VINCI Construction UK to ensure jobs can be secured locally and the necessary training offered.

The first phase of works had a small work force which is due to increase this year.