St. Modwen sheds new light on multi-million pound Kirkby transformation

Regeneration firm St. Modwen has revealed its transformative plans for the future of Kirkby.

In a public exhibition this week, the company is showcasing proposals that encompass the creation of a new supermarket and additional shops, extra car parking facilities and a leisure development.

St. Modwen will aim to increase the variety of shops available for locals, create suitable accommodation for modern retailers, shore up pedestrian links and improve leisure amenities with restaurants and a cinema on the site of the old Kirkby Library.

The firm said it hopes the development plans will pave the way for a “wider more significant change” in the town.

St. Modwen acquired the Town Centre in November last year for £35.8m and, since then, has worked closely with Knowsley Council to develop its plans.

St. Modwen’s North West regional director, Steven Knowles, said: “Our plans for Kirkby provide us with an opportunity to develop a town centre that the people of Kirkby deserve and have been waiting a long time for.

“We strongly believe that our proposal will strengthen and enhance the existing town centre, increase the offer for shoppers by bringing new shops to Kirkby and create jobs for local people.”

He added: “We also have the potential to include a cinema and restaurants for local people to enjoy. We are looking forward to announcing the name of the supermarket operator soon.”

Speaking further, Steven said St. Modwen has made “a long term commitment to Kirkby”.

He continued: “Since we acquired the Town Centre we have made it our priority to drive through immediate improvements. Working alongside Knowsley Council, we now have the opportunity to make more of a significant change.”

Pictured: An aerial view of the proposed Kirkby masterplan

Cllr Mike Murphy, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, commented: “I’m delighted that St. Modwen has brought forward these plans for Kirkby Town Centre as they bring our long-awaited retail and leisure developments another step closer.

“The council and our partners have already completed a huge number of significant developments in Kirkby in recent years – the Kirkby Centre, Kirkby Leisure Centre, the new Kirkby Market, St Chad’s Public Health Centre, new housing, public art and improvements to the public realm in the Town Centre have all had a very positive impact on the town – for the benefit of Kirkby residents and businesses.”

He added: “Like all Kirkby residents, I now look forward to seeing the delivery of our new supermarket, shops, cinema and restaurant to confirm that Kirkby is a place on the up.”

The public exhibition is taking place today and tomorrow (October 21-22) at 17 St Chad’s Parade, Kirkby Town Centre.

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