A multi-million pound refurbishment of Ellesmere Port Market is set to commence in early 2025, Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed. The revamp of the market hall has been postponed until the new year to ensure uninterrupted trading for stallholders and customers during the festive season.
Despite the ongoing project, the market will stay open, with stalls temporarily relocated to facilitate the works. The removal of the exterior white canopy above the market entrance has already been completed.
This renovation forms part of a £13 million initiative funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Levelling Up Fund. Concurrently, the council is encouraging residents to propose names for the new Flea Market space.
The plans for the Flea Market include the creation of a versatile event space to host a broader range of events such as visiting markets, music, social and community events, in addition to its current popular uses like second-hand markets, craft fairs and Comic Con events. The new space will also feature upgraded toilet facilities, a stage with a sound system and a separate entrance for events when the market is closed.
The aim is to draw more visitors to the town centre from within Ellesmere Port and the surrounding areas. While alternative names are being considered, keeping the Flea Market name remains an option, reports Cheshire Live.
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, expressed: “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. The existing Flea Market name and a shortlist of suggested names will be put to a final public vote later this year.”
He went on to invite suggestions through the dedicated website until October 14, after which a short-list of potential names will go forward for public decision. Meanwhile, the Flea Market anticipates its next major event, Comic Con, scheduled for October 26.
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