Plans for the regeneration of Great Homer Street moved an important step forward today, as the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for land in the area was confirmed by the Government.

The approval, which follows a public inquiry in July, is an important milestone in the plans to regenerate North Liverpool.

The £150m Project Jennifer scheme, which is being led by the UK's leading regeneration specialist St. Modwen in partnership with Liverpool City Council, is estimated to create 1,000 new jobs and includes a new flagship Sainsbury's supermarket.

Stephen Prosser, regional director at St. Modwen, said: "We are delighted that the Government has confirmed this scheme which is both needed and wanted by the local community. We have worked closely with the community and Liverpool City Council throughout the public inquiry. The awarding of the CPO is an important milestone and testament to the positive support the scheme continues to enjoy."

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In September St. Modwen launched the availability of the complementary non-food retail and leisure space at the development, which will form part of the new district centre at Great Homer Street.

Paul Batho, projects director at St. Modwen, said: "We have been in discussions with potential end users of the retail and leisure space available and are looking to pre-let these properties over the coming months. The CPO decision marks the next step forward in the process and allows us to begin securing tenants for the space. There is still a long way to go over the next few months, but we are confident that this decision marks a positive future for Project Jennifer."

As well as retail space, the scheme will provide new market facilities, homes, 900 free customer car parking spaces, a petrol filling station, health facilities, transport interchange and improved links to Everton Park. Following the CPO award, a planning application will be made to approve the final detail of the new Sainsbury's store and other retail units.

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: "Project Jennifer is an important progression for North Liverpool and will regenerate an area in real need of investment and development. We're delighted that the Government has listened to the voices of the local people, who are right behind the plans.

"We can now press on with delivering this vital scheme, which will make a massive difference to people’s lives – breathing new life into the area, providing first-class facilities and creating new jobs."

(CD)