ST. MODWEN SUBMITS PLANNING APPLICATION FOR KIRKBY TOWN CENTRE

Regeneration specialist St. Modwen has submitted a planning application to Knowsley Council for the retail phase of the redevelopment of Kirkby Town Centre.

The application follows collaboration with Knowsley Council to develop plans for the Town Centre and a major public consultation which was held with local businesses, shopkeepers and residents in October. Representatives from St. Modwen, the architect and planning consultants working on the scheme shared the proposal and asked people for their comments.

Feedback from the public consultation was positive with more than 500 people attending the two-day event held in St Chad’s Parade. Of the 229 responses received 95% (218) of residents and stakeholders supported the plans.

The planning application is for a 116,000 sq ft scheme that will comprise of a supermarket, 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.

Paul Batho, Projects Director, St Modwen – North, said: “Our plans for Kirkby Town Centre incorporate the feedback we received during the public consultation and will provide Kirkby with a real boost.

“The scheme will provide a new supermarket and will widen the range of shops that will meet the shopping needs of the people of Kirkby and the surrounding area. The development proposal will boost the local economy, creating new jobs during and post construction, as well as bringing more shoppers and other local businesses to the town.”

The scheme has already seen significant interest from a number of national retailers and St. Modwen is in advanced talks with food store operators who will trade at the anchor food store.

Since purchasing the Town Centre in November 2015, St. Modwen has carried out significant work to Kirkby. These improvements have been well received and have given confidence in the delivery of the proposed scheme, should consent be granted.

Subject to the determination of the planning application, work could commence later this year with completion scheduled for next year.