Ellesmere Port could be "truly transformed" by a multi-million-pound regeneration project which has been given the green light by council leaders.
Ellesmere Port could receive £10m in investment after Cheshire West and Chester Council’s ruling cabinet backed an application to the Government’s £4.8bn Levelling Up Fund. If approved, the project would build on recent investment in the new Portal Offices, the relocation of the bus station and the expansion of Action Transport Theatre.
The council estimates that the development will boost the local economy by £1.6m a year, with 200 temporary jobs generated by construction and supply chain demands. A further 30 permanent jobs could become available in the town centre.
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The project would also look to implement the next phase of the town centre masterplan, which includes:
- Assembling and preparing a variety of ‘under-utilised’ and brownfield sites in the vicinity of Civic Way and Coronation Road, facilitating them for future delivery of affordable, low carbon homes.
- Reconfiguring and upgrading the market to enhance its role as a ‘high quality’ and accessible and affordable retail hub and a focus for local business start-ups.
- Enhancing the public realm, creating a greener and more accessible environment for existing and future residents and investors.
The bid comes as Cheshire West and Chester have backed a substantial investment in Northwich. The £50m Winnington Corridor scheme would see a new two-lane road bridge across the River Weaver, the conversion of the existing listed bridge into a cycle/pedestrian only option, and the creation of a three-junction improvement between the bridge and Northwich town centre.
The council estimates the work would create an extra £16m a year for Northwich in additional spend in local shops and services and create 300 jobs, with up to 2,000 more created during any construction phase. But in order for the bid to be submitted on time, the council will have to spend £1m on site surveys and design work, even before it knows if its final bid to government has been unsuccessful.
The cash will come from a £3m allocation set aside from the council’s capital programme. Speaking about the two applications, Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, told cabinet members that the projects were ‘truly transformative’.
He said: “It’s important to note that we remain as a category two area, so we’ve been given a strong steer by government advisors to prioritise projects and limit our submissions. We’ve listened to this advice to give us the best chance of securing funding for our borough.”
The Levelling Up Fund (LUF) can be used to invest in infrastructure and schemes, including regenerating town centres and high streets, upgrading local transport options, and investing in cultural, heritage and leisure assets. The council describes it as "highly competitive". If approved, the council would have to find 10 per cent of the overall project costs, totalling £6m.
This could come from either council funding or private investment. Following approval by cabinet, the bid must now be submitted by July 6.
