Kirkby Town Centre is now seeing the benefits start to emerge from a multi-million pound transformation.
A new retail development has been constructed which will consist of a 45,000 feet2 Morrisons superstore and petrol station, a drive-through KFC restaurant, a drive-through Taco Bell restaurant, and a new store for Home Bargains, with a further seven units constructed and ready to let. Handover to the operators has started with the first new units due to open later this summer.
As well as this excellent progress with Knowsley Council’s new development, planning permissions and an operator have been secured for the next phase of the transformation – a multi-screen cinema complex complete with food and drink outlets.
This complements over 80 shops in the centre of Kirkby including big brand names and independent traders, and over 100 stalls in the indoor Kirkby Market.
Confidence and business interest in Kirkby have never been greater – that’s why over the last year, and even despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been new start-ups and expansion into larger premises in the town centre, with enquiries for premises also increasing.
Recently, a number of established businesses in the town centre have expanded into larger premises and a new business has also chosen Kirkby as the place to start and hopefully grow its business.
Little Angels – a children’s clothing, prams, and furniture store – started off in Kirkby Market and expanded to a kiosk in the town centre before more recently opening their doors in a shop unit in St Chad’s Parade.
Owner of Little Angels, Laura Jones, said: “We’ve been really busy, it’s been going brilliantly. We have noticed a massive difference in footfall since opening the new unit. We’ve had great feedback from customers, and they’ve told us it’s just what the town needs.”
Other business who have moved from Kirkby Market into larger premises in St Chad’s Parade include Neil’s Quality Meats, Jessica (a hair and clothing boutique), and Zygone (computer and mobile phone repairs).
Lily Francis, a florist based in St Chad’s Parade, is a new business start-up in Kirkby occupying a prime position in the centre of the town centre.
Hayley, owner of Lily Francis florist, added: “Seeing all of the development that is taking place in Kirkby Town Centre, I knew it was the right location for my business. Kirkby already welcomes a lot of visitors to the town centre, but with the expansion of the offer with the new retail development, it will generate even more footfall in the area and I’m delighted that I’ve got a prime location in the centre of the town and that I’m part of Kirkby’s transformation.”
In Kirkby Market, a number of new stall holders have started – these include a newsagent and businesses selling blinds, household furniture, bathrooms, African food supplies, children’s clothing, ladies’ fashion, baby clothes, personalised memorial jewellery, handbags and purses, ladies accessories, flowers, and sweets.
Councillor Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s Regeneration and Economic Development Cabinet Member, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved in Kirkby in such a short space of time since we took over the town centre.
As a Kirkby resident myself, the growing offer in the town centre is really great news for our residents who have been asking for more choice in terms of shops and places to eat. Kirkby really is a town on the up and I’m delighted to part of its improvement journey.”
For shoppers and visitors, Kirkby Town Centre has something to suit everyone’s needs – if you’re a business looking for your first or next opportunity, we can help. There’s space available ranging from 10 feet2 to 25,000 feet2.
To find out more, contact Jonathan Lowe on 07827 256151 or email jonathan.lowe@knowsley.gov.uk
For enquiries relating to Kirkby Market, please contact the team on (0151)-443 4498 or email kirkbymarketmanager@knowsley.gov.uk