Cabinet approves Knowsley capital spend
Knowsley Council’s cabinet has approved a capital investment programme of £32m for improvements to the borough’s highways, land and property, with projects to be phased over the next three years.
The first tranche of projects included in the capital investment programme includes:
- Improvements to Knowsley’s roads including £1.9m for pothole repairs and improved drainage on M62 and A5300, along with £390,000 to ease congestion and improvement safety at junction 5 of the M62 westbound slip road and £1.9m on road safety improvements
- £3.5m for maintenance, repairs and improvements to Knowsley’s schools and children’s centres.
- £800,000 for building works / adaptations and refurbishment of facilities to ensure there are enough free childcare places for two, three and four year olds in Knowsley
- £500,000 to meet the specific housing needs of those living with learning disabilities
- £710,000 investment for assistive technology, helping people to remain independent in their own homes for longer.
- £1.4m to prepare commercial and industrial land for sale and development
- £4.2m to purchase and demolish privately owned derelict properties to improve neighbourhoods and clear the way for investment and redevelopment from the private sector
- £360,000 into a variety of public realm improvements in Kirkby town centre
Cllr Gary See, cabinet member for resources, said: “Our capital investment package is fa- reaching and focuses on the key areas where we know that investment is needed in order to create a sustainable borough.
“We have targeted our capital investments in the priority areas which we know our residents and businesses value, where we can grow our local economy by attracting more residents, visitors, businesses and investors in the borough whilst delivering maximum impact and value for money.”
The council said that the programme supports the delivery of the council’s five priority areas outlined in its Corporate Plan for 2017-2020, which cover education, health & wellbeing, adult social care and creating a sustainable borough, along with accelerating business growth, jobs and housing.
