Kirkby redevelopment takes ‘major step forward’ with supermarket anchor deal

St. Modwen, the regeneration-focused developer, is working to bring one of the UK’s leading supermarkets to Kirkby town centre.

The firm said it is currently finalising a legal agreement with the as-yet-unnamed retailer for the launch of a major new food store to anchor the town centre redevelopment.

St. Modwen is expecting the legal terms to be in place later this summer, when it will confirm the identity of the supermarket.

The company is working with the retailer to revise its recent planning application, updating the proposals to reflect the brand’s specific requirements.

Paul Batho, St. Modwen projects director, said: “This is great news for the people of Kirkby who have consistently told us that they want a new supermarket in the town.

“It’s a major step forward towards our wider redevelopment plans for Kirkby town centre.”

He continued: “We are working closely with the food operator to finalise the design of the new store which will result in a revised planning application being submitted to Knowsley Council.

“The scheme will meet the shopping needs of the people of Kirkby and the surrounding area. It 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.”

A Knowsley Council spokesperson commented: “We are pleased to hear that excellent progress is being made in the highly-anticipated retail-led regeneration of Kirkby town centre.

“It is really good news that the supermarket operator is working closely with St. Modwen on the finer details of a revised planning application.”

They added: “We look forward to seeing further progress being made as soon as possible because we know that our residents are very keen to be told just which supermarket is going to be coming to Kirkby.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →