A WORLD trade centre could be built in Ellesmere Port, it has been revealed.
Peel Group is planning to build an international trade centre allowing more than 1,000 businesses from China, India, Korea and other emerging economies, to exhibit and sell their goods into the UK, Irish and European markets.
The 200,000sq ft two-floor International Trade Centre could be built near Ellesmere Port on the site of the former Bridgewater Paper Mill.
An alternative site has been identified for the “Peel International Trade Centre (ITC)” at West Float, Birkenhead.
A planning application will be submitted for the preferred site of the pioneering new development in the autumn.
The project aims to build on the international trade links Peel developed through its sponsorship of the Liverpool Pavilion at last year’s Shanghai World Expo.
If realised, the trade centre will be the first of its kind in the UK.
A spokesman for Peel said: “This would serve not just as a trading ‘Gateway’ into the domestic market but to the whole of Europe.
“Goods would include, but not be restricted to: electrical items, textiles and clothing, kitchenware, furniture, fixtures, fittings, building materials and more. Peel ITC would include showroom and promotion spaces, warehousing/storage and assembly facilities, and would benefit from excellent transport connectivity via road, rail, water and air.”
Local member Cllr Derek Bateman said the plans were the “biggest and most significant potential venture” within the Ellesmere Port area for a very long time.
He said: “If it were to proceed, the currently unused former Bridgewater Papermill site would present a great location, fitting in well with ongoing developments close to the waterfront and adjacent to both the motorway and the Manchester Ship Canal transport links.
“These plans deserve every encouragement and we will continue to work with companies to help restore Ellesmere Port’s respected industrial reputation and the diversity and dynamism of the area.”
The plans come as part of a “massive development programme in the North West” – which include the multi-billion pound Wirral Waters and Liverpool Waters schemes.
A Peel spokesman added: “The North West is emerging as a ‘Super Region’ and Peel is firmly behind this concept. The North West is also accepted as a preferred alternative location to London, both for investment and as a location for new businesses and existing business expansion.
“Peel intends to make full use of these advantages in securing investors and occupiers.”
The company has already presented the idea to potential partners and occupiers at government premises in Beijing and subsequently in Shanghai.
Leader of the Cheshire West and Chester Council, Mike Jones, said the plans would give a huge boost to Ellesmere Port’s economy, potentially creating thousands of jobs locally and attracting trade from across the world.
He said: “If the project were to come to fruition, the benefits to the town would be incredible and go a long way towards our over-arching regeneration plans for the area – with benefits to both local residents and businesses alike. The papermill site is in a prime location and has strong transport links via the motorway and the canal to other areas of the UK and indeed Europe.
“Cheshire West and Chester Council will continue to work with potential inward investors and is determined to ensure that Ellesmere Port’s history as an industrial powerhouse carries on into the 21st century – making a real difference for Ellesmere Port.”
Chairman of the Ellesmere Development Board, Robert Mee, said the new development would really place the town on the map for its “industrial excellence”.