New data shared by BBC News states that footfall in Kirkby town centre has increased by a huge 160% over the last three years. This is the highest increase in the whole of the UK – when many other towns and cities have actually experienced a decline over the same period.
Local investment and regeneration in the town centre, along with the opening of Morrisons supermarket, are key factors behind the increase.
Over the last 3 years Knowsley Council has invested more than £43.8m to buy Kirkby Town Centre and build the new retail development with additional additional funding from the Combined Authority.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council said: “I am delighted that Kirkby has been highlighted so positively in this latest research.
“Clearly the Council’s major investment and regeneration in the town centre has been a key factor in the town’s success but it wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of traders and local businesses and local residents too who are ‘shopping local.’
“It has been a turbulent time for high streets and businesses in recent years so to see this increase is a really positive indicator for Kirkby and will hopefully put the town firmly on the map with new investors and businesses who will see the town as a great place to do business.”
Analysts Placemake.io and Visitor Insights examined anonymised phone data from more than 500 UK high streets from 2019 to 2022. You can read the full BBC article online here.