Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee have approved plans for a new 'public services hub' and bus zone in Ellesmere Port.

The new hub building and bus zone are part of the Ellesmere Port Masterplan, a 15-year plan that has already seen development projects totalling nearly £1.2bn since 2011, forecast to rise to £2.8b.

More than 2,000 jobs have been created so far and Ellesmere Port has planning consent for 5,550 homes.

Half of the funding for the £16m project will come from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, through the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said: 'The aim of this application is to provide local people with easy access to essential public services.

'Work is scheduled to start in January, with a completion date in 2021.

'This will be a modern and energy-efficient building which will bring together a wide range of important public services including; community safety and crime prevention, housing support, employment, skills and learning guidance, welfare and benefits support, and health and wellbeing.

'The new building will be on the site of the existing bus exchange, which is being replaced with a new bus zone along Civic Way as part of the scheme.'

Photo: © George Robinson