Signing up for a new future for Skelmersdale.

Regeneration specialist St Modwen has been formally appointed to deliver the multi-million pound regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre.

The development agreement has been signed between West Lancashire District Council, national regeneration agency English Partnerships and St Modwen Properties plc, the UK's leading regeneration specialist, to implement ambitious plans for a £350 million-plus investment that will transform Skelmersdale town centre.

Cllr Geoff Roberts, Leader of West Lancs District Council, said:

"Local residents want and deserve a town centre to be proud of - that much is already clear. Our priority now is to make sure that local people and other stakeholders remain committed to the project and are given every opportunity to tell us what they think before any planning decisions are made.

"We will be scheduling a series of meetings with stakeholders, public exhibitions, press articles and information leaflets when the draft masterplan has been prepared to ensure that people know what is being proposed and how they can make their voices heard."

Michelle Taylor, Regional Director of St Modwen, added:

"This is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Skelmersdale to deliver a new heart for the town with brand new facilities that will not only benefit everyone who lives, works and visits the town, but also bring in much-needed investment.

"We have been working closely with West Lancs District Council and are committed to delivering the new vision for Skelmersdale town centre. We are confident that St Modwen can provide the business acumen that is needed to transform the fortunes of the town."

Paul Spooner, Regional Director for English Partnerships, said:

"This significant appointment highlights the start of extremely exciting times for Skelmersdale and local people can look forward to a new town centre designed to the highest standards in urban and architectural design and environmental performance. We can be confident that the ambitious vision for town centre regeneration will be fully developed and delivered."

The first stage of public consultation took place in 2005 following the release of an initial consultation document, which was met with wide public approval. Further consultation about the options for redevelopment was held during the summer of this year and the results are currently being evaluated.

The overall aim of the project is to create a vibrant heart for the town, possibly including a new a 'high street' with a range of new features such as a cinema, swimming pool and leisure centre and community facilities.

Notes to Editors

West Lancashire District Council is committed to delivering a new, high quality town centre for the people of Skelmersdale, involving the local community in close consultation. The Council, a significant landowner in Skelmersdale, has selected St Modwen as the developer to work on behalf of both the Council and English Partnerships to develop proposals and ultimately build the new town centre.

English Partnerships is the government's national regeneration agency delivering high quality, sustainable growth in England. It does this by developing its portfolio of strategic projects and acting as the government's advisor on brownfield land. It also ensures that surplus public sector assets are used to support wider government objectives. English Partnerships helps create communities where people can afford to live and want to live. Information on projects and programmes can be found at

English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation are working with the Department for Communities and Local Government to establish the proposed Homes and Communities Agency.

St. Modwen is the UK's leading regeneration specialist operating through a network of six regional offices in all sectors of the property industry. These regional offices enable the company to understand local needs and to exercise on the spot control. They work in partnership with private and public sector organisations, continually mindful of the impact of developments on the communities in which they operate. The company focuses on four particular areas of specialisation: town centre regeneration, partnering industry in its restructuring, brownfield land renewal and heritage restoration.

For further information contact Michelle Taylor/Chris Newsome of St Modwen (01925 825950)
or
Edwina Leigh of West Lancashire District Council (01695 577177 Ext 5433).
Issued through Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 313 1000).