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LOOK WHAT ’ S BEEN DELIVERED IN KIRKBY – IN JUST TWO YEARS !
Knowsley Council made the bold decision to purchase Kirkby Town Centre in November 2019 and in just two years have delivered :
• A brand new 96,000 feet2 retail development
• 460 car parking spaces allowing shoppers to park for free for up to three hours
• A Morrisons supermarket
• A Morrisons petrol station
• A drive-through Taco Bell
• A drive-through KFC
The numbers of people visiting Kirby Town Centre has increased – 9,000 people visited Kirkby on Thursday 21 October – the day when the new Morrisons store opened .
Almost 400 new jobs have been created with the majority secured by local people and more jobs opportunities to come – Home Bargains are currently completing their internal-fit out and will open their new store soon .
And this is just the start – Knowsley Council ’ s ambitious plans for Kirkby are continuing to progress with work under way on the delivery of a multi-screen cinema scheme ( including three food and drink outlets ).
Negotiations are also ongoing with a number of businesses wanting to call Kirkby their home and details will be shared once the contracts have been signed . Further job opportunities will also be created as a result of the cinema scheme and new businesses opening in Kirkby .
Not only is so much going on the Town Centre itself , but house builders Barratt Developments and David Wilson Homes are currently refining plans for the land to the south of Cherryfield Drive which will include a range of homes to suit all styles and
budgets , enhanced green spaces , and strong links to the Town Centre .
Councillor Graham Morgan , Leader of Knowsley Council , said : “ When you step back and look at what has been achieved in just two years , and take into account that this was done at the same time as coping with a global health crisis , it really is outstanding .
" We know that residents in Kirkby have been waiting and calling for improved facilities , and , up until November 2019 , our hands were tied as we did not own or control the Town Centre .
" A series of private sector owners let local people down , and we had to do something . It was actually quite a risk to step in to buy the Town Centre but look at what ’ s been achieved ! We are delivering on the things that our residents , businesses and visitors want and need .
" Our plans don ’ t end here though – I am looking forward now to seeing the next phase of Kirkby ’ s development .”
Councillor Tony Brennan , Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development , added : “ As a local resident myself , I am delighted with how Kirkby is developing . Many people have said to me “ I ’ ll believe it when I see it ”, and we can now all say “ seeing is believing ”.
" Our Town Centre is attracting more people to shop and socialise , and we know that many people and businesses are intending to call Kirkby “ home ”.
" I ’ m delighted to be part of this transformation journey and seeing my hometown benefit from this investment and interest . It really is an exciting time for Kirkby .”
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