A prime site in Kirkby is set to benefit from £2.2m of investment. The site, which is the former Civic buildings, will benefit from funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, enhancing the Kirkby gateway into the town.
This is part of the £15m already committed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority – £10m of which contributed to the £43.8m purchase of Kirkby town centre in order to kick-start its development, £2.8m has contributed to the cinema scheme and the remaining £2.2m will be used to enhance the Kirkby gateway and ensure visitors receive a warm welcome into the town.
This £2.2m allocation will be used to turn the current Multi Storey Car Park into a sustainable ‘travel hub’ including car parking, electric vehicle charging and cycle storage.
These improvement works are essential to not only create a warm welcome into the town, but also to retain and attract more businesses and, in turn, creating more jobs for local people.
Speaking about the proposed investment, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Kirkby’s revival over the last few years has been something of a renaissance. Having grown up in the area, I know the real, positive difference this investment is having on the Townie – and on people’s lives too.
“Thanks to devolution we’ve been able to invest in places like Kirkby. From the transformation of the town centre to the opening of its first supermarket in nearly 40 years – and the new railway station we’re building at Headbolt Lane, we’re making things happen It’s proper levelling-up in action: creating local jobs and opportunities, and bringing greater prosperity to local people.”
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “I’m delighted that the remaining £2.2m has been approved for us to accelerate our plans to enhance the Kirkby gateway site.
“It’s many people’s first impression of the town so it’s essential that we create the right image for residents, visitors, businesses and investors alike.
“Work will now start on developing detailed plans for the site and the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works.
“Since purchasing the town centre in November 2019, we have delivered a retail development, created more free car parking spaces, attracted more businesses into the town and our multi-screen cinema scheme is also progressing.
“I’m delighted with what has been delivered in such as short space of time and we will continue to build on these achievements and deliver even more for everyone who lives, works, visits or invests in Kirkby.”