Major plans to turn Ellesmere Port into of the UK’s green energy ‘super places’, which could attract over £1.8 billion of investment and create more than 11,000 jobs, have been revealed.
The proposals for the Ellesmere Port Industrial Area (EPIA), part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Development Plan, outline the authority’s goal to turn the area into one of the world’s first net-zero carbon industrial clusters, Cheshire Live reports.
The plans would see the EPIA grow from 1,300 businesses employing 24,100 people to 1,463 businesses employing 35,500 people by 2040, with nearly £2 billion extra being invested in the area.
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It is hoped the area will become one of the country's first 'super places' - linking clean and green growth with low carbon technologies, with the additional jobs providing a significant boost to the local area.
Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for inclusive growth, economy and regeneration, said: “The vision for The Ellesmere Port Industrial Area is ambitious and transformational, we want the area to be a national and international exemplar for the ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ and to drive forward the new low carbon economy of the future.
“The vision will have a direct impact on residents, connecting local people to jobs, skills and training opportunities in high value, innovative and growing employment sectors. Improved and sustainable travel across the area will also be a priority, including the new cycle route through Ellesmere Port and the work being completed on the A5117 shared use route.”
Cllr Beacham said: “The Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, following consultation with residents pledging to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030 and the borough carbon neutral by 2045.
“HyNet has bid for Industrial Clusters Mission funding, the Cheshire and Warrington LEP has secured funding for sustainable travel improvements, and Peel, Essar, Vauxhall and other private sector stakeholders are investing significant amounts in delivering sustainable and low carbon technologies on their sites.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will look at the plans on Wednesday, October 15.
