St. Modwen confirms preparation for Kirkby Town Centre redevelopment continues

PREPARATIONS for the major redevelopment of Kirkby Town Centre continue, as St. Modwen submits final amendments to the planning application for the new Morrisons supermarket.

Following the completion of the £1 million demolition programme this summer, enabling works are now underway to prepare the site for installation of the services and revisions to the previously approved planning application are being submitted to Knowsley Council.

The expert developer and regeneration specialist explained minor amendments were needed to the approved plans to meet the operational requirements of its retail anchor, Morrisons.

St. Modwen secured planning permission from Knowsley Council’s planning committee for the redevelopment of Kirkby Town Centre in November last year.

Paul Batho, Projects Director for St. Modwen, said: “We are moving ahead with our plans to redevelop the town centre and there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to prepare the site for development work to begin.

“We appreciate, now that the demolition work has finished, that the ongoing work is not so visible. However, we are continuing with the preparatory, technical and legal work necessary to get a scheme of this scale ready for development.

“We are on schedule. This work is paving the way for the redevelopment to begin and will reassure people of St. Modwen’s commitment to regenerate Kirkby.”

Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “Residents and businesses should be reassured that plans are on schedule for Kirkby town centre and I look forward to seeing these plans progress over the coming months.”

St. Modwen’s plans for Kirkby Town Centre include the Morrison’s supermarket and around 76,000 sq ft of new shops, improved pedestrian links, car parking, new public realm and landscaping.  The redevelopment will complement, enhance and integrate with the existing town centre shops and facilities, which is owned and managed by the regeneration specialist.

Morrisons Senior Manager – Development, James Smith said: “We’re really pleased to be involved with this important development for Kirkby and are working closely with Knowsley Council and St. Modwen to deliver the new store.”

Since purchasing the town centre in 2015, St. Modwen has carried out significant improvement works to Kirkby Town Centre. These improvements have been well received by shoppers and retailers, and have given confidence in the delivery of the proposed scheme.