Huge revamp planned for The Port Arcades by Golden Square owners

Times have been tough for The Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port. The recent fortunes of the beleaguered shopping centre can be summed up by Poundland taking over the former Wilko store, only for itself to close after just four months earlier this year.

On top of that, half the shop units available are closed, the building looks tired, and even the PA system is broken.

It is a far cry from when the complex first opened in 1990, with traders such as Woolworths, TJ Hughes, Argos, Radio Rentals and Littlewoods being just some of the brands touting their wares.

But now a multi-million-pound investment plan is being drawn up to transform the centre by bringing in traders, giving the premises a new look, adding food and drink venues and overall making the place an attractive and community-focused family-friendly destination.

The Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port currently has about half the shops closed.

David Holt, redevelopment director for Adhan Group which privately owns The Port Arcades and other centres such as Rochdale Exchange and Golden Square in Warrington, is the visionary behind the scheme.

In recent days he has been busy meeting and contacting prospective new traders for The Port Arcades as well as Cheshire West and Chester Council to help kickstart the renaissance, as he accepts that of the group's portfolio, the Ellesmere Port centre "needs the most attention", but he is "in it for the long haul".

Although no precise figure has been put on the "substantial" investment, Mr Holt has said it will run into the "millions".

Plans are being drawn up to revitalise The Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port.

Mr Holt explained that at present, there is not much for families to do at The Port Arcades, with half the stores vacant, and there is nowhere to go to eat or drink.

He said: "There are no particular cafes. The council has 1,000 people coming through their doors [at the nearby The Portal], and at lunchtime there is nowhere for them to eat, they go to Asda."

Plans are being drawn up to revitalise The Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port.

The Port Arcades – which Mr Holt says has about 50 per cent vacancy at present – would be home not just to kiosks and shops of local traders and potential big-name brands, but also to food and drink places, including an on-site microbrewery and a dedicated communal space.

"We want to make it more family and community based. It needs a free-flowing experience, somewhere where you can spend a few hours."

Part of making that possible will be tying The Port Arcades redevelopment to the £8.5 million revamp of Ellesmere Port Market, due for completion in summer 2025. Mr Holt said there was "no better time" for The Port Arcades to undergo its own transformation, which would also see new artwork highlighting Ellesmere Port's local history and heritage, new cladding and lighting, as well as teaming up with the nearby National Waterways Museum to suspend a boat from the ceiling of the mall.

It would also be planned for more activities, attractions and classes to be available for younger visitors at the centre, while community entertainment such as the town's popular Comic Con – most recently held at Ellesmere Port Indoor Market this month – could also be held within the venue.

Plans are being drawn up to revitalise The Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port.

While some of the projects are longer term, others – such as getting more shops open – are more immediate, with Mr Holt having been in contact with up to a dozen interested parties on vacant units. As an added incentive, several of the units are currently being offered at heavily discounted rates, while support would be on offer for those seeking help with shop fittings and rent.

Mr Holt added he was "looking at well-known brands" which could take a spot in the centre, including at the former TJ Hughes building which has stood vacant for some time. An alternative option would be to divide that building up for smaller businesses to set up shop.

One sticking point that remains is the 80p price for surrounding car parks, a situation which Mr Holt accepts is unavoidable at present, as the car parks are run by the council, but he has been in talks with the council on that issue.

Mr Holt added visual designs for the revitalised shopping centre are being drafted up, with the new look to be made available soon.

Plans are being drawn up to revitalise The Port Arcades in Ellesmere Port.