Plans to develop Kirkby Town Centre have taken a further step forward as regeneration specialist St. Modwen gets underway with a £1million programme of demolition to pave way for the major redevelopment.
The work will strengthen the existing Town Centre bringing a large new supermarket, additional large shops and car parking. A new leisure development which includes a cinema is also planned for Kirkby.
Liverpool-based Tisdale Demolition are now underway with work to demolish 150,000 sq ft of derelict buildings, including the former In Shops market, Gala Bingo hall and the site of the former Asda.
The cleared area will make way for a new supermarket, new large shop units, a pedestrian walkway that will link the existing Town Centre with the new development and additional car parking.
Paul Batho, Projects Director for St. Modwen, said: “Commencing onsite with the demolition works paves the way for the redevelopment to begin and is a further demonstration of St. Modwen’s commitment to regenerate Kirkby.
“Our plans for the Town Centre will provide a new large foodstore and shops, boosting the local economy, creating new jobs, as well as attracting more shoppers and other businesses to Kirkby, while complementing the retailers that are here already.”
Knowsley Council’s Regeneration and Economic Development Cabinet Member, Councillor Graham Morgan, added: “It’s great to see St. Modwen moving forward with the retail side of the regeneration of Kirkby Town Centre.
“These demolition works are another significant part of that process, as they are now clearing the way for the new facilities which Kirkby residents want to see. This is a really exciting phase of the regeneration programme and I am looking forward to confirmation very soon that St. Modwen has finalised an agreement with one of the UK’s leading supermarket operators to open a store in Kirkby. This is great news for Kirkby residents.”
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.
