A derelict building at the gateway to Ellesmere Port’s historic high street is to be demolished to make way for a stunning memorial garden.

The project has been put forward by town centre improvement manager Jochem Hollestelle at 1A Whitby Road adjoining the town’s Grade II-listed former Queens Cinema dating back to 1912 which became the Mecca Bingo.

The centre piece of the new garden will be the Mersey Iron Works Great War Memorial Plaque currently held in storage by the Royal British Legion in Manchester after leaving the town when the legion branch on Stanney Lane closed.

Ellesmere Port Local and Family History Society records the impressive roll of honour was initially unveiled at the main entrance to the steelworks on nearby Cromwell Road in 1926 before transferring to the rose garden at the ironwork’s sports ground.

It moved to the garden at the Stanney Lane Legion when the sports ground was sold.

A new memorial garden is proposed at the gateway to Ellesmere Port's historic high street. This building would be demolished
A new memorial garden is proposed at the gateway to Ellesmere Port's historic high street. This building would be demolished

The demolition of 1A Whitby Road, which replaced an older property removed in the 1960s, together with the construction of the memorial garden would enhance the setting of the listed former cinema it is argued. In addition hundreds of new homes are to be built on the steelworks which will transform the area.

1A itself, said to be in ‘disarray’, is not listed. With boarded up windows it has not been occupied for many years and has become an unsightly eyesore.

Unsightly external features on the cinema are also to be removed while the ‘well designed’ garden will reflect features of the area’s industrial past and the Great War.

Cllr Louise Gittins (Lab), the borough’s cabinet member for communities and well-being, said: “A memorial garden is proposed to replace the current building at 1A Whitby Road.

“The property has been empty for many years and is an eyesore at the busy junction of Cromwell Road and Whitby Road.

“The council proposes to demolish the building which will increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers at the junction as well as improving the appearance of a key gateway site.”

She continued: “The centrepiece of the new memorial garden will be the Mersey Iron Works memorial plaque which commemorates those workers who lost their lives in the First World War.

“This was situated at the ironworks in Cromwell Road for decades until it was moved to the Royal British Legion site in Stanney Lane when the works closed 20 years ago.

“After this site itself closed three years ago, some residents feared the plaque was lost to the town but it was taken into secure storage by RBL North West Property. This proposal would return an important part of Ellesmere Port’s heritage back to Cromwell Road where it belongs.”

Planning permission and listed building consent have been granted.