Cityheart to advance Prescot revamp
Knowsley Council’s cabinet has signed off funding of £600,000, enabling the developer to work up detailed plans for the next phase of the town centre’s regeneration.
This will see long-awaited plans to rework Prescot Shopping Centre, which Knowsley bought in 2022 in order to arrest its decline and give it a future beyond just retail.
Working with preferred developer Cityheart over the past year, the council now has a blueprint to take the site forward.
As set out by Place ahead of the cabinet meeting, it was proposed that an initial capital investment of £600,000 be provided to support Cityheart in progressing plans to RIBA Stage 4, which is expected to take up to 12 months, and will enable accurate costing, coordination and construction planning.
The cash comes from the Liverpool City Region’s Regeneration Capacity Building Fund.
A first phase of demolition, including the former Stephenson’s Printworks building and outdated sections of the centre, has already been completed.
The project includes:
- A new library, museum and cultural space, to create a central hub for learning, community activity and visitors.
- Improved retail space closer to the high street.
- New open-air pedestrian routes, with 24/7 access between key areas of the town to improve safety and accessibility.
- Enhanced car parking.
- Space for homes, including affordable properties to meet established local need for one‑ and two‑bedroom housing.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “Prescot town centre has seen incredible momentum in recent years, with investment from the council, private developers, the opening of the iconic Shakespeare North Playhouse and the abundance of bars, restaurants and independent retailers.
“These new proposals represent an exciting opportunity to unlock Prescot’s full potential and to deliver an even more vibrant, modern and sustainable town centre that works for residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.”
James Litherland, development director at Cityheart, said: “We see huge potential in Prescot as a fantastic place to live and visit with real character and a rich history. We are delighted to formalise our partnership with the Council and in the coming months we want to hear the thoughts of local people and businesses to help shape our plans moving forward.
“We know how important the town centre is to the community. That’s why our focus is on creating a place people can be proud of – new homes, great public spaces and community facilities that bring more life and opportunities into the heart of the town.”
Further public consultation will take place as the proposals are finessed.
Cityheart is also working with Wigan Council on the redevelopment of the Galleries shopping centre, is busy in Stockport with a residential-led town centre project, and is taking forward a 300-home scheme in Widnes.
Choo choo the consultant gravy train gets green flagged and leaves the local authority station once again.
By Tannoy
“enhanced car parking”? Yet in the artists impression, it looks like the car parking is related to the residential blocks, or is that a multi-storey car park behind the Prescot Centre?
Needs a clear strategy for retail in the town centre, or is this the final admission that the Retail Park has sucked all the lifeblood from the historic town centre?
By Prescotian
Why is the public sector subsidising the pre development costs of Cityheart?
By Anonymous
Independent shops (excluding barber shops of which are far too many in a small area, nail bars) would be most welcome in the town centre. Take a look at Newton le Willows town centre, absolutely a lovely place with houses of excellent quality and independent shops. Also i note car parking is included in the list. This is most welcome as there isnt enough at the moment and so the Retail Park take all the business. With the number of new housing estates literally surrounding Prescot, car parking should be paramount. I note as previously said, the Retail Park is getting overcrowded with cars as i suspect people are parking their cars and possibly going to work for the day. The amount of cars at 10am in the morning doesn’t equate to the amount of people in the shopping area. This needs to be looked at.
By Theresa Hill