Plans to regenerate Kirkby town centre have been formally approved by Knowsley Council’s Planning Committee.

The proposals put forward by Spenhill (the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco) will bring in excess of £200 million of private investment into Kirkby and create a new Tesco superstore, additional retail space and other improvements to the town centre. The development is also set to deliver valuable employment opportunities and other associated benefits for the local area.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills commented: "This decision is fantastic news for Kirkby and its community, who have been passionately committed to the regeneration of the town for many years. I hope that this approval will be the start of a bright new future for Kirkby - with new jobs, buildings, facilities and opportunities for the whole community to enjoy.


"The Council has always been committed to securing the right kind of regeneration in Kirkby and we are confident that these proposals, along with other exciting plans for the town, will bring about the improvements and changes that the people of Kirkby want and more importantly deserve.

"Particularly, we are confident that this project will deliver valuable employment opportunities for local people, at a time when jobs and training are incredibly difficult to find."

The proposals, which were approved by the Planning Committee, were first submitted for consideration in August 2010. Given the size, scale and significance of the development, the Council undertook three separate periods of consultation to allow the community the best possible chance to provide their views. All representations made were considered and used to inform the report prepared for the Planning Committee.

(CD/KMcA)