Council asks for views on future of Kirkby town centre

Over the next two weeks, Knowsley Council will be contacting all residents and businesses in Kirkby to ask for their views on the future of their town centre.

This extensive consultation will give the entire community the opportunity to help shape future plans for the regeneration of the town, following the government's rejection of the Destination Kirkby proposal late last year. Destination Kirkby was proposed by Tesco and Everton FC and supported by the council.

Cllr Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Council said: "Since the Secretary of State's decision to refuse the previous regeneration proposals, we have been working with our partners to reassess the opportunities available to the town.

"We remain fully committed to regenerating Kirkby and want to ensure that whatever plans are developed fulfil the current needs and wants of local people. This consultation gives the whole community a chance to play a part in the future of their town and in improving and enhancing the facilities in the town centre."

Every household and business will be receiving a brochure through their doors asking them what their priorities now are for Kirkby and what they would like to see delivered in the town centre. The community will be able to send their responses back to the council via the freepost feedback form or alternatively submit their comments online via the council website.

This will be first phase of consultation activity in Kirkby before new regeneration plans are drawn up. Leading the project for the council is Nick Kavanagh, executive director of regeneration, economy and skills. He said: "We have been working with specialist consultants who have looked objectively at the town and identified priority areas for redevelopment. We now want the community's views on the future – specifically what they want to see in the town centre and importantly what matters most to them. Getting their views early on the development of new plans for Kirkby will help us to ensure that proposals are the 'right fit' for the town and its people."

Once this consultation is complete, all findings will be analysed and used to help shape future plans. When a draft plan has been developed, the council will consult with the community again.