NEW PLANNING APPLICATION TO OPEN UP RETAIL AND LEISURE CHOICE IN SKELMERSDALE

A new planning application for Skelmersdale Town Centre could bring much needed retail and leisure facilities to the town and create in excess of 500 jobs.

Comprehensive proposals for a significant expansion of Skelmersdale town centre have been developed by St. Modwen in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

The planning application is for the regeneration of the land between the new college and the existing town centre, which is currently undeveloped and in need of investment.

The proposals are for a mixed use scheme incorporating around 100,000 sq ft of space. This will include 50,000 sq ft of retail to widen the scope of choice in the centre, as well as 50,000 sq ft of leisure such as a cinema, restaurants and bars to introduce a new night time leisure opportunity and economy to the town.

There will be extensive improvements to the public realm as part of the proposals, including a new high street between the college and the existing town centre and public art, as well as enhancements to the public areas outside the library and Nye Bevan Leisure Centre.

Paul Batho, Projects Director at St. Modwen, said: “St. Modwen’s intention to submit such an application demonstrates the improving economy which in turn, is having a positive impact on the commercial property market in the North. We have developed comprehensive proposals for a significant expansion of Skelmersdale town centre and are very close to bringing forward a planning application.

“The partners have been working for some time now to bring forward this much needed scheme in the centre of Skelmersdale. If approved, the proposed town centre expansion will see significant investment, bringing in excess of 500 jobs to the area, new retailing choice to the town as well as introducing a new quality public realm linking the college to the existing town centre.”

Councillor David Westley, Leader of the West Lancashire Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, said: “The announcement of this scheme demonstrates the strong commitment of partners and interest from the private sector in investing in Skelmersdale which is warmly welcomed”.

Deborah McLaughlin, Executive Director HCA North West, said: “The HCA is fully supportive of these proposals, which are fantastic news for the residents of Skelmersdale. The scheme could bring a huge boost to the local economy and ensure that the town is a great place to live and work.”

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “I believe the best answer and only answer when it comes to the regeneration of Skelmersdale is a redevelopment scheme for the whole of the town centre. The plans for a new high street offers the long awaited new future that the people and town of Skelmersdale deserve.”

County Councillor Jennifer Mein, leader of the county council, said: “We’re pleased to see this potential new investment coming in to Skelmersdale, which will bring new jobs and revitalise the town centre. This builds on our own investment in the town through the Youth Zone, which will bring new facilities for local young people. Work is progressing well on our Youth Zone and it’s expected to open in early 2015.”

St Modwen has been working in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and West Lancashire Borough Council since 2007 for the delivery of a comprehensive regeneration scheme in Skelmersdale town centre.