Ellesmere has been shortlisted in the High Street Transformation category of the Visa and British Retail Consortium (BRC) Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards; recognising outstanding efforts to revitalise town centres through innovation, community collaboration, and future-ready solutions.

The national awards; supported by Visa and judged by experts from Visa, BRC, Revo, and the Association of Town and City Management; celebrate the towns across the UK driving meaningful change. Ellesmere is one of just 12 towns shortlisted from over 100 entries; standing out for its ambitious regeneration work led by Project SY12 CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company.

At the heart of Ellesmere’s transformation is a renewed focus on community, digital access, and sustainability; all powered by local people and businesses. Key initiatives include:

• Revival of Ellesmere Market Hall; once underused, now a vibrant, multi-use hub blending local trade, artisan markets, community events, and eco-conscious operations
• Discover Ellesmere; a digital-first tourism and visitor platform driving footfall and supporting local business visibility
• Ellesmere Pulse App; a pioneering digital town hub connecting residents and visitors with local news, events, and business promotions
• SY12 Business & Social Enterprise Network (Ellesmere Connect); strengthening the independent high street economy through collaboration, training, and shared resources
• Click & Collect / Local Delivery; a future-facing logistics initiative helping high street businesses compete with online giants by extending reach and accessibility (Late 2025 release)

AJ Hunter, Managing Director of Project SY12 CIC, commented:

“This shortlisting is a testament to what a small town can achieve when we work together. Our focus has always been on keeping Ellesmere vibrant, connected, and community-led. We’re so proud that this work is now being recognised nationally.”

Julie Williams, Project Manager at Project SY12 CIC, added:

“We’re thrilled Ellesmere has been recognised for its transformation. This is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about people, creativity, and community spirit. Being shortlisted shows that rural towns like ours can lead the way in innovation and inclusive regeneration.”

The High Street Transformation category recognises towns that have made significant improvements to their physical, digital, and community infrastructure to future-proof their high streets. Winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 16th July 2025 at the House of Lords; with a £20,000 prize awarded to support further transformation projects.

For more about Ellesmere’s high street journey; visit www.ellesmere.info or download the Ellesmere Pulse app.