The Ellesmere Port market refurbishment is postponed to early 2025, ensuring stallholders can continue trading during the festive period.
- The refurbishment forms part of a £13 million Levelling Up Fund initiative aimed at enhancing the market space.
- Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed the market will remain open, with temporary stall relocations during the facelift.
- Plans include a new multi-functional Flea Market space to host diverse events, promoting regional engagement.
- Residents are invited to suggest new names for the Flea Market, with the decision open for public voting.
The Ellesmere Port Market will undergo significant refurbishment starting in early 2025, following a strategic decision by Cheshire West and Chester Council to delay construction until after the festive season. This delay ensures that current stallholders and shoppers can continue their activities without disruption during the crucial holiday trading period.
This refurbishment is a component of a £13 million project under the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund, aiming to boost local economic development and community engagement. The renovations are expected to modernise the market, attracting increased visitor footfall and enhancing the overall functionality of the space.
Despite the ongoing renovations, the market will continue operations with stalls temporarily relocated to accommodate construction activities. Some initial work, including the removal of the exterior white canopy above the market entrance, has already been completed, setting the stage for the main phase of construction.
An integral part of this project is the development of a new Flea Market space within the market hall, designed to host a diverse array of events including visiting markets, music performances, and community gatherings. This space will feature upgraded amenities such as toilet facilities, a stage with a sound system, and a separate entrance for events, thereby broadening its utility beyond traditional market functions.
In an effort to involve the community, residents are being asked to propose potential new names for the Flea Market. According to Councillor Nathan Pardoe, residents can submit their suggestions via a dedicated website until October 14, after which a shortlist will be compiled for a public vote. ‘We are asking residents and shoppers if they want to keep the Flea Market name, or if they would like to suggest a new name for the Flea Market as part of its transformation into a new event and community space,’ he stated.
The first major event anticipated in the upgraded Flea Market space will be Comic Con on October 26, signalling the beginning of a new chapter in the venue’s history.
The strategic postponement of Ellesmere Port Market’s refurbishment ensures seamless festive trading while laying the groundwork for long-term community benefits.
