ELLESMERE Port’s historic waterfront could rival Liverpool’s Albert Dock if plans to develop the site into a top leisure and tourism attraction are realised.

That’s according to the partnership behind Waterfront – Vision for the Future, a dynamic development strategy that plans to exploit the natural resources of the area and turn it into a number one destination for residents, tourists and visitors alike.

Plans include a waterfront promenade, a bustling cafe scene, retail and leisure premises, ferry cruises, a marina and new housing.

An increased profile for the National Waterways Museum is also integral to the success of the scheme.

Some of the long-term plans were revealed at a public launch held at The National Waterways Museum on Monday.

Peel Land and Property, The Waterways Trust, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Ellesmere Port Development Board presented a joint vision to rejuvenate the waterfront and the surrounding areas.

Talking at Monday’s event, Ellesmere Port mayor Gareth Anderson described his delight at the potential investment in the area, that could see the centre of the town return to its historic birthplace at the waterfront. He said: “It’s really exciting to have people put their money where their mouth is.”

“We now have the critical mass to achieve great things but it’s going to take time, I could be in my 60s by the time it’s finished but so be it.”

Tony Clark, special projects manager for Ellesmere Port, working for the regeneration services scheme, also emphasised this was the beginning of the process, not the conclusion.

He said: “In time this will be achieved and our proposals will be realistic in the current economic climate.

“It will be funded by a mixture of public and private investment.

“We need these proposals in place to go to the market and gain that investment, so it’s a long-term strategy but we will start to make some short term improvements and basic environmental work will be carried out in the next six to 12 months so people will notice something happening in the area.

“We want to bring benefits to the local community and existing businesses.”

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Many local residents will already be aware of Peel’s proposals to develop the Docks to the north of the conservation area as a new residential, leisure and tourist destination through a scheme known as Ellesmere Quays and the first phases of this will form an integral part of the partners Waterfront Vision.

“The improvements proposed within the adjacent Conservation Area will not only enhance existing assets but will also set a positive context within which the Ellesmere Quays scheme can come forward. New development in the 1980s and 1990s (including Raddle Wharf, Telfords Quay and the Holiday Inn) have begun the transformation of the area, but much more could be achieved.

“The Ellesmere Quays scheme will include a mix of quality homes alongside leisure, and tourism related development, local community facilities, an ecology park and a promenade alongside the Manchester Ship Canal – all benefiting from spectacular views across the Ship Canal and the Mersey Estuary and all integrating with and complementing an enhanced Conservation Area. The first phases are proposed adjacent to Lower Mersey Street.

“The Ellesmere Quays scheme and wider Waterfront enhancements are anticipated to have a transformational impact on the town, raising its profile and image and being a catalyst for wider regeneration in adjacent community areas and in the wider town centre.”