Council puts cash into Kirkby
Knowsley Council's Cabinet has agreed to spend £13m improving civic facilities in Kirkby town centre with the market and Kirkby Suite conference meeting rooms among the beneficiaries.
The council wants to back-up the £200m investment from Tesco in the new town centre and a £7m health centre from NHS Knowsley. Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley Council's cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, said: "Securing significant private sector investment in the current economic climate is a major achievement and we have always been committed to supporting that with our own investment into public services and facilities.
"As the wider regeneration continues to move ahead, I am pleased that we have been able to confirm the funding we need to support and enhance this regeneration initiative by improving our own facilities in the town centre. This is a major step forward in the plans to regenerate Kirkby and a really positive opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to this development – which will transform Kirkby for current and future generations.
"Now that the funding is agreed, we will be asking residents to share their views to help us shape their town centre in the future."
Consultation with the community will take place from Monday 19 December 2011 to 20 January 2012. Council officers will be out and about in the town centre during that time asking residents for their views. In addition, copies of the consultation questionnaire will be available via www.knowsley.gov.uk and leaflets can be picked up at Kirkby One Stop Shop or Kirkby Library reception desk.
