Plans for new-look Stockbridge Village submitted

Detailed plans for the regeneration of Stockbridge Village centre have now been formally submitted to Knowsley Council for planning approval.

The £25m proposals include the creation of a new swimming pool, gym and leisure facilities, learning resource centre, police access point, primary school, children's centre and family centre, multi-use games area and a supermarket.

The plans also complement other development projects in the area, including an extension to the health centre and provision of a new Play Pathfinder scheme in the village centre.

Bill Weightman, a local ward councillor, said: "We have engaged with residents and businesses throughout the development process and we are confident that these proposals really reflect their aspirations for the future. Importantly we have listened to residents' feedback on what matters most to them in their local area and worked hard to incorporate their comments into the proposals.

"It's this kind of responsiveness and willingness to listen to the community that I believe will contribute to the long term success of this development, which has the potential to have a really positive impact upon the area."

People who live and work in Stockbridge Village attended an exhibition event in March which showcased the major regeneration project, which is set to transform their village centre.

In addition to the recent submission of the planning application, work has already been carried out to demolish the former Heatwaves leisure centre and prepare the wider site for redevelopment.

The council has also selected its preferred construction partner Morgan Sindall to deliver project.

Nick Kavanagh, from Knowsley Council, added: "It's great to have such an experienced contractor on board at this stage in the process and we are very much looking forward to working closely with them to secure planning approval and develop this scheme.

"This project will not only create new facilities for the community but also help to open up opportunities for residents and improve their every day life experiences.

"It's long been the ambition of the council to regenerate Stockbridge Village and now with the support of partners and key specialists, including Morgan Sindall, we can really start to see progress being made in the area."

Knowsley Council said its planning committee will consider the proposals for the regeneration of Stockbridge Village centre in the summer this year. The council added that copies of the plans are currently on display in the Knowsley works shop on the Croft in Stockbridge Village.