Ellesmere Port market has reopened following the first phase of its refurbishment, with traders moved to newly restored stalls and two new exhibits celebrating the town’s history.
The refurbished stalls have been repainted and fitted with new shutters, electrical connections and partitions with a new layout to improve movement around the stalls.
A large 3D artwork called Fantastical Port has been created by students from Ellesmere Port Catholic High School which brings the history of the town to life using archives maps and images with paintings by the students.
A 1964 Vauxhall Viva is also on display by the entrance from the Port Arcades and was one of the first vehicles made at the Ellesmere Port factory.
More than one million of the vehicles were produced there between 1964 and 1979, and the refurbished market’s colour scheme has been inspired by a Vauxhall paint colour chart from the 1970s, featuring Tasman Orange, Sunspot and Crystal Green.
The popular children's soft play area has now been relocated into the refurbished section of the market near The Corner, a new tiered seating area.
The second phase of works on the remaining hoarded off areas and in the Flea Market will continue throughout the spring.
Work has also commenced on the public realm space in front of the market, which will create a new al fresco area and landscaping along with cycle parking and seating.
Councillor Nathan Pardoe, cabinet member for inclusive economy, regeneration and digital transformation, said: “The opening of the newly refurbished areas at Ellesmere Port Market marks a major milestone in its transformation.
“I am grateful to customers and traders for their support of the market during the works so far - the market will continue to be open throughout the second phase of works.
“The refurbishment of Ellesmere Port Market is an exciting opportunity for new and existing traders to thrive.
For the full story, see Chester Standard