Tesco consults on new Kirkby plans

Revised plans by Tesco for the redevelopment of Kirkby town centre will be on display from today for the community to view.

Knowsley Council has set up a Kirkby drop-in shop in the heart of the town centre to give the community a chance to come and view the proposals, ask questions and share their views on the application submitted by Spenhill, the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco.

The consultation will take place at 24 St Chad's Parade on the following dates:

• Wednesday 20 October 2010, 10am – 3pm
• Thursday 21 October 2010, 10am – 3pm
• Friday 22 October 2010, 10am – 3pm
• Saturday 23 October 2010, 10am – 3pm

Nick Kavanagh, Knowsley Council's executive director of regeneration, economy and skills, commented: "The people of Kirkby have always been clear that they want to play a part in the redevelopment of their town and we are keen to let them do that. We have already asked the community for their views on what they would like to see in a new and improved town centre and now we are giving them a chance to see the proposals that have been submitted to redevelop the town centre.

"The consultation will run for four days and will give everyone a chance to view the plans and see for themselves how their town centre could be developed. We have always been committed to the regeneration of Kirkby and in the current economic climate we are really encouraged to see companies like Tesco keen to invest in Knowsley."

The outline planning application includes a new Tesco superstore, new retail units, food and drink outlets, offices, new public buildings including health centre and library, and a new petrol station. The proposal also includes improvements to highways, pedestrian and cycle routes and enhanced landscaping in the town centre.

The plans were scaled down following a rejection last yar of a larger application including a stadium for Everton FC. Spenhill's scheme proposes a Tesco Extra superstore, which has been reduced by 12% to 146,600 sq ft. The scale of the other retail units, around 90 in total, have been pegged back from 500,700 sq ft to 300,400 sq ft, a fall of 40% in total.

In addition to the consultation event, you can view the full application online by visiting the council's website. Alternatively a hard copy is available to view at the Kirkby One Stop Shop and Huyton One Stop Shop between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am and 12.30pm on Saturday.