Everton decision ‘great’ for rival towns, says St Modwen
The regeneration of Skelmersdale and other neighbouring towns to Kirkby will benefit long term from the rejection of Everton FC and Tesco's plans, according to Michelle Taylor, regional director of St Modwen.
St Modwen is the preferred developer for a large-scale redevelopment of Skelmersdale town centre and the company gave evidence at the inquiry against the Everton/Tesco application.
Taylor said: "It's great news for Skelmersdale and the other opposing local authorities that the Tesco and Everton proposals for Kirkby will not go ahead.
"Whilst there is a smaller regenerative scheme still to be done in Kirkby, the sheer size, scale and nature of the Tesco Everton scheme was a threat to the regeneration prospects of a number of towns in the North West. Furthermore, it would have seriously undermined our ability to deliver the proposals for Skelmersdale so work on preparing the detailed plans for the town centre was suspended.
"We will now resume discussions with our partners, West Lancs Borough Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, to consider how the first phases of the Vision for Skelmersdale can start to move forward.
"It is unfortunate that with the delay caused by Kirkby, we are now in a more difficult economic climate, but it was always expected that this would be a long term project of up to 15 years. We now look forward to working positively with our partners on future plans now that this major threat has been removed."
As a long term resident of ‘Skem’ i’m thrilled and delighted with this news. Having spoken recently to Michele Taylor I can’t help but believe the towns development is in great hands. Good luck to all.
By Tom Murphy