PLANS for a public services hub in Ellesmere Port town centre have been revealed as part of a multi-million regeneration scheme.

Costing £20m it will, according to Cheshire West And Chester Council, bring together seven public sector organisations under one roof.

The authority says a new facility will improve delivery of public services, reduce the cost of delivering these services and release land for re-development for housing.

An outline business case for the hub has been developed and considered by a range of partners including the Ellesmere Port Development Board, the Locality management team, public services board and West Cheshire Strategy board.

A full business case is now being prepared.

Leader of Cheshire West And Chester Council, Mike Jones, said: "This is part of an overall plan of how we regenerate Ellesmere Port and that includes working in the schools, housing, jobs – there's over 2,000 jobs been created in the last three years and there’s another just under 1,000 being recruited as we speak.

"And with another 12,000 in the tube over the next 10 years there's a mass of jobs and employment creation and we’re starting to invest in events and festivals within Ellesmere Port.

"We've demonstrated that as a council we do deliver – we're delivering the theatre, sport centres, the Lion Salt works, the improvements to roads, improvements to schools, we are delivering significant change to this borough as well as improving the way we deliver services at a much lower cost and protecting their frontline services."

Local member, Cllr Nicole Meardon, said: "I would like to welcome any investment into Ellesmere Port town and I’m sure that residents will also.

"While the efforts of the Development Board and council officers should be applauded in securing funding, I would hope that as this project goes forward residents and services users of Ellesmere Port are core to developing the business plan.

"There is scepticism within our communities about the use of public funds and a real concern that valued services and provision will be subjected to further cuts.

"This must reflect the community’s aspirations, every opportunity must be used to engage and involve residents."