EXCITING plans to revamp Ellesmere Port Market have been lodged with the council.
A refurbishment of the market is a step closer after last month’s public consultation, with proposals now having been sent to Cheshire West and Cheshire’s planning department.
A planning statement produced by agents Avison Young, on behalf of the council which is also the applicant, outlines what traders, visitors and shoppers could have to look forward to.
It says: “The vision is for the transformation of the existing market building which includes internal and external alterations to improve the appearance, functionality, and energy efficiency of the building.
“The improvements will support local market traders and help future-proof Ellesmere Port Market for many more years to come.”
To improve the customer flow around the stalls and new zones will be introduced allow for different types of activities such as eating, co-working, dedicated community, play and youth areas.
Food and drink units would be clustered around the central dining space, similar to the current layout while increasing the range of food choices available but the plans state this is not with the intention of creating a ‘food-hall’ type market.
The planning statement adds: “An area for produce stalls is proposed to be created on entry from the Port Arcades and a smaller, secondary dining area will be created next to a play area and youth zone with a co-working space created by the entrance from the car park.
“Colour and improved lighting will be used inside the market to help visitors find the different areas.”
According to the plans, this area will be overhauled for it to work as a multi-use event space and allow for a wider range of events to be held there, alongside the current uses, with more backstage areas, and a bar area.
By creating its own entrance, the flea market would be able to function independently from the market such as when the market is closed in the evenings.
The planning statement also says the existing exterior to benefit from cladding improvements, with a nod to the area’s heritage.
It adds: “The existing building exterior primarily dates back to its former use as a supermarket, as such the improved appearance will help the market to establish its own identity within the town centre.
“The main market building will primarily be black, with large white lettering saying ‘market’ and a glass entrance with the surrounding entrance canopy highlighted in yellow.
“As for the flea market, this will primarily be white with orange used to highlight the entrance text on the side saying ‘flea market’.
“The colours for the external appearance have been strategically chosen.
“The bright new external colour scheme has been inspired by a Vauxhall colour chart used between 1971-1974, linking the market to the nearby Vauxhall factory. The proposed exterior colours are based on ‘Sunspot’ warm yellow for the market entrance and ‘Tasman Orange’ for the flea market entrances, alongside the black and pale grey cladding.”
The market work is part of a £13 million project using funding from the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund.
Council planners will make a decision on the proposals at a future date.
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