Creating one of the first Net Zero Carbon industrial clusters in the world
The Ellesmere Port Industrial Area is one of the largest industrial employment clusters in the North West region, and one of the most significant clusters of industrial uses in the country. The area is characterised by international and nationally significant industrial facilities and users, currently contributing to around five per cent of the UK’s CO2 emissions.
Cheshire West and Chester Council announced a Climate Emergency declaration in May 2019 with a target of 2045, ahead of the UK’s overall commitment to be net zero by 2050. Since this declaration the Council has engaged with a range of partners to develop its plans and response to the emergency.
The project presents a Development and Infrastructure Investment Framework containing a vision, themes and strategic objectives for the Ellesmere Port Industrial Area. The shared vision is to form one of the first Net Zero Carbon industrial clusters in the world, and one of the UK’s ‘Super Places’ linking clean and green growth and low carbon technologies. The project could bring in more than £1.8bn worth of investment for jobs and the borough’s green economy.
Vision
1. Become one of the UK's first 'SuperPlaces', supporting the UK Governments 'Green Industrial Revolution' by delivering a network of world leading clean industry, power and transport companies innovating new solutions to tackle the Climate Emergency.
2. Deliver one of the world’s first Net Zero Carbon Industrial clusters, at the forefront of research, development and implementation of a new generation of industrial processes that helps us respond to the Climate Emergency. This will act as a global exemplar for how a range of low carbon and sustainable technologies can be delivered at an industrial scale, and support the cleaning of heavy industrial practices.
3. Reinforce the areas role as the economic engine of Cheshire West and Chester and the wider region boosting its profile nationally, safeguarding existing employers, allowing expansion and indigenous growth, and helping to foster a diverse range of job growth opportunities which will create a sustainable future economy and supporting the UK's 'Levelling Up' agenda.
4. Connect local people to job, skills and training opportunities in high value, innovative and growing employment sectors. Improving the connections between local people and opportunities through awareness raising as well as sustainable travel connections to the area.
5. Deliver a nationally leading brand and business environment that will attract inward investment. The area will deliver a high quality, professional, well maintained, and attractive business environment which businesses and workers will be proud to locate in.
6. Improve the quality of place, and quality of life for local people. The area will deliver an improved public realm; safe and sustainable connectivity; amenity; and enhanced and protected environmental assets. This will create an attractive place to live, work, visit and do business.
