Plans to demolish the existing Ellesmere Port Catholic High School buildings and construct brand new state-of-the-art facilities have been unveiled. Two new school buildings - a two-storey teaching block and a sports facility - are proposed with a planning application likely to be submitted in the coming weeks.
The redevelopment is being delivered by the Department for Education as part of their School Rebuilding Programme. We reported back in 2023 that unsafe concrete had been identified at Ellesmere Port Catholic High with temporary classrooms set up as a result.
The school describes the existing buildings as being in a "poor condition" with several no longer in use. They will all be demolished as a result of the plans.
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The new school buildings will be accessed via a proposed new entrance from Overpool Road with an area of new sports field to replace the lost area being created in the north of the site following the demolition of the existing school buildings. Kier Construction has been selected by the Department for Education to design and build the new school.
It is hoped construction can begin by the end of the year with completion expected in 2028. Designed for modern learning, the new school will feature high-quality classrooms, specialist teaching spaces and improved facilities to support both academic success and student wellbeing.
The existing entrance from Capenhurst Lane will be retained for access to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School. New vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access is proposed from Overpool Road to the new school buildings.
A new staff and visitor car park, and a parent drop-off facility are also proposed. The car park will include electric vehicle charging points, and new cycle shelters will also be installed. There will be no change to staff and pupil numbers as a result of the redevelopment.
Mark Mountcastle, CEO of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Academy Trust, said: "This project is about far more than a new building. It reflects our belief in young people, our commitment to excellence in Catholic education, and our confidence in the future of Ellesmere Port. This school will be a beacon of learning, faith and opportunity for generations to come.”
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The school is holding a drop–in event at Ellesmere Port Catholic High School for anyone who wants to find out more or who would like to ask any questions about the proposals. The session will run from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, March 25.
If you have any comments or queries on the current proposals, please send these to epchs.uk@avisonyoung.com by April 1.
Councillor Jimmy Shannon posted this message to residents on his Facebook page: "Residents in the vicinity of Ellesmere Port Catholic High will be receiving the following information through their letterbox today. You have until April 1st 2026 to send questions/comments to the design team on the email address below. This is your opportunity to raise anything."