Local MP renews call for action on Port Arcades

A campaign to revive The Port Arcades shopping centre in Ellesmere Port has gained momentum, with more than 1,200 residents backing a petition led by local MP Justin Madders.

Mr Madders said the support reflects strong local concern about empty units and a lack of visible investment at the site, owned by the Blackburn-based Adhan property group, which has previously promised “substantial investment… in the millions”.

The MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough added:

“Over 1,200 people have now backed this campaign, which shows just how passionately our community feels about the future of Ellesmere Port town centre.”

His intervention comes as significant public investment is directed into the town, including improvements to the market, plans for new homes and £20 million Pride in Place regeneration funding.

“But the Arcades need to play their part too,” he said. “Local people can see empty units and a site that isn’t living up to its potential, despite commitments from Adhan to invest.”

Mr Madders continued:

“The owners have described my petition as ‘inappropriate’, yet they have also previously said: ‘Why would anyone want to have a shop here?’ and pointed to the need for investment. Local people are now asking where that promised investment is.”

He pointed to the example of Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, where a Victorian shopping arcade owned by the same property group fell into decline and closed.

A 2020 Kirklees Council report found there had been “little or no upkeep or repairs” and concluded:

“While the Arcade remains in its current ownership, the issues identified above will not be addressed and it will remain a vacant and underused asset; undermining the council’s attempts to regenerate the town centre.”

Mr Madders said.

“That’s not where we want to end up here in Ellesmere Port,”

He added:

“If you haven’t signed the petition yet, please do so. Let’s make sure The Port Arcades becomes the busy, welcoming heart of Ellesmere Port that we all know it can be.”

Residents can sign the petition at: 

http://c.org/8tkSVgKRKx

Pictured - Justin Madders MP standing outside the entrance to The Port Arcades shopping centre in Ellesmere Port town centre.