Huge Ellesmere leisure complex details to be unveiled

The development by the Wharf in Ellesmere will also involve building a hotel, restaurant and a leisure spa and will include space for holiday cabins and caravans.

A drop-in session will be held on Thursday (JULY 17) to give the public the chance to learn more about the scheme, and an outline planning application will be submitted to Shropshire Council in August, according to planning agent Nigel Thorns.

The scheme first became public more than 18 months ago and has already been welcomed by councillors who hope it will boost employment and tourism in the town.

Thursday's drop-in session will take place between 3pm and 8pm at Ellesmere Town Hall.

Mr Thorns, of Nigel Thorns Planning Consultancy, said: "This is people's opportunity to find out more about the proposals and comment on the scheme.

"A planning application for the Ellesmere Wharf site between the Wharf and the A495 is due to be submitted in August.

"The proposals for developing this part of Ellesmere aim to provide a sensitive response to the land alongside the Shropshire Union Canal.

"This will be done through the delivery of well landscaped leisure/tourist facilities that will provide community and economic advantages to the area and town, along a route that had previously supported the town's growth."

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere, described it as the "best thing that has ever happened to Ellesmere".

Meanwhile, Councillor Alan Clarke, mayor of Ellesmere, said it would create lots of new jobs and it would help meet the town's demand for new homes.