News Archive

REFURBISHMENT WORK GETS UNDERWAY AT KIRKBY TOWN CENTRE

Improvements to Kirkby Town Centre are now underway, as owners St. Modwen begin an eight-week refurbishment programme and announce a number of new lettings.

The works, which will improve the appearance of the shopping precinct, includes replacing worn out plaster work under shop canopies, painting the windows at first floor level, removing old and unused fixtures, painting columns and brickwork and adding a touch of greenery.

The Town Centre also welcomes three new tenants – Owens Quality Meat, Kirkby Nails and

European Deli who have all opened up in recent weeks on St. Chad’s Parade.

Town Centre Manager Mike Matthews is pleased to announce that Greggs Bakery has confirmed a new five-year lease, reinforcing its commitment to Kirkby after completing a £100,000 refit.

B&M Bargains will soon be opening a second store in the former Co-Op unit on St. Chad’s Parade, increasing the size of the home discount offer.

Mike Matthews said: “We are delighted to welcome new and existing tenants to Kirkby Town Centre. Once the leases have been granted we hope to see new lettings fill the vacant units, bring a wider choice for shoppers and, in many cases, enable local businesses to grow and relocate to bigger premises.

“Shoppers really welcome the changes we are making and are voting with their feet as footfall figures top 125,000 people visiting Kirkby Town Centre each week.

“The Town Centre is really popular with local people and we look forward to further developing the area, but equally important is improving the existing facility.”

In June, the Town Centre will be coming out in bloom as colourful hanging basket adorn shop fronts and the planters along St. Chad’s Parade are replaced and replenished. Local businesses are invited to sponsor a hanging basket.

In addition, a programme of fun filled family events are also planned for the school summer holidays – full details can be found on the Town Centres recently launched website www.kirkbytowncentre.com.

Mike added: “We have a very exciting summer ahead in Kirkby. The current work that is underway is just the start of St. Modwen’s plans for Kirkby Town Centre. We have made a long-term commitment to the people of Kirkby and we will continue to keep you up to date on our plans.”

St. Modwen acquired Kirkby Town Centre in November 2015 and the team has been working closely with Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council to develop plans for the Town Centre.

An outline scheme has been designed which will comprise of a supermarket, and in the region of 100,000 sq ft of new retail floorspace. The proposed plan has already seen significant interest from a number of national retailers and St. Modwen is in advanced talks with major food retailers to anchor the new scheme.