Council puts £7.5m into Kirkby

Knowsley Council has unveiled proposals for an improved market, library and other community facilities in Kirkby town centre.

The proposals, which will be considered by the council's cabinet on 14 March, include a £2.5m revamp of Kirkby Market and the creation of a £5m public services centre in a remodelled Kirkby Suite building.

The redeveloped Kirkby Suite will house a new library & gallery, improved council information centre and offices for Knowsley Housing Trust, Knowsley Works, a meeting room for community use, public toilets, café and facilities for the Adult Disability Day Service.

Kirkby market will be redesigned on the footprint of the existing market with an improved layout, entrance, access to stalls and links to the town centre. There will also be better weather proofing and covered areas, public toilets and a café.

Pending approval, work will commence on both projects within 12 months with the market due to be up and running in July 2013. The new library and gallery will open May 2013 with the public services centre fully complete by December 2013.