DTZ has been appointed alongside other parties by the Ellesmere Port Development Board to design a development framework for the Cheshire town.
DTZ will work in association with Taylor Young, Regeneris, Gifford, Pan Leisure and Thinking Place, to help design and create a “realistic and refreshed” vision for the town.
Supported by Cheshire West and Chester Council, work will now begin on the Vision and Strategic Regeneration Framework for Ellesmere Port – a plan which will set out economic, social and physical improvements to the town over the next ten years.
Providing housing, rejuvenating large areas of unused land and ensuring business growth within the area will be priorities. Improving and enhancing existing areas such as the town centre and the waterfront will also be targeted within the framework.
Projects identified or already underway include the new school academy and West Cheshire College campus, the development of the largest Marks & Spencer flagship store outside of London, enhancements to the waterfront and town centre and business and employment opportunities at New Bridge Road.
Robert Mee, chairman of the Ellesmere Port Development Board, said: “One of the first issues recognised by the Board was a need for a clear and over-arching vision and strategic framework for the town’s future, capable of stimulating and channelling future investment and development to maximise benefits for the town, its residents and businesses.”
Herbert Manley, the council’s executive member for prosperity, said: “The framework will need to be robust and flexible to respond to ever-changing economic conditions and work alongside plans, strategies and policies already in place.”
Caroline Baker, DTZ’s Director of development consulting, added: “Our job will be to ensure that by establishing a new vision and strategy for the town that the benefits to local residents and businesses will be maximised and a new direction set for Ellesmere Port which will stimulate new investment and create new jobs.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
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