New look for Kirkby town centre
Plans have been approved to transform the appearance of Kirkby town centre in Knowlsey, as part of a £200m regeneration programme.
Knowsley Council's planning committee approved the application from Tesco on Thursday 27 February to improve the appearance, landscaping and layout of the town centre.
The approved plans affect four areas of the town centre; a civic square, St Chad's Parade, Newtown Gardens and the market square. There will be new seating and lighting throughout the town centre, new paving, trees and shrubbery on St Chad's Parade, a semi-lawned area next to Kirkby Market and two public art projects, which will include three winged-throne sculptures in the civic square.
The council carried out a consultation on the application and received no formal objections to the plans.
Cllr Dave Lonergan, cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, said: "The approval of these plans by the planning committee is another significant step forward and further evidence of Tesco's commitment to working with us to transform Kirkby town centre for the benefit of our residents.
"These plans will really improve the appearance and layout of the town centre and enhance the experience of visiting Kirkby."
The regeneration programme includes the construction of a 146,000 sq ft of superstore with retail units, a £2.5m market, the £5m remodelling of the Kirkby Suite building and 71 new homes on St Kevin's Drive.