Knowsley Council’s ambitious plans for Kirkby town centre have taken another step forward today with the council granting planning approval to Lidl for their first store in the town.
Last year, the council’s Cabinet gave the green light to progress plans for a further 29,000 sq ft of new modern retail development in the town centre. Lidl will now be able to progress with the construction of the new development at Telegraph Way which will include a 24,000 sq ft Lidl store and a second retail unit that will be available to let.
The Lidl store will feature an in-store bakery as well as customer toilets. Outside, solar panels will be fitted on the roof to help power the Lidl store, and landscaping proposals will enhance the scheme with new tree and shrub planting across the site.
The store will be highly accessible with pathways and bus links all within a reasonable distance. Cycle parking is also provided close to the store entrance and car parking is available at the adjoining Kirkby Town Centre short stay car park and the adjacent multi-storey car park off Hall Lane that has recently undergone a full refurbishment. Six accessible parking spaces, nine parent and child spaces and motorcycle parking close to the store entrance on the short stay car park will also be provided.
In a boost for the local economy, the multi-million-pound investment will also create around 40 new jobs through the new Lidl store, plus more jobs from the second unit once let and occupied.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “We’ve listened to the views of the local community who wanted more retail choice in the town. We worked hard to secure this investment and I’m delighted that Lidl can now proceed with their plans for their first store in Kirkby. The scheme is another step forward for our ambitious development plans for the town and will create job opportunities for local residents.
“I look forward to seeing this scheme progress and we will continue to deliver our development plans for Kirkby, alongside the £19.5m Pride in Place funding which will deliver more community’s priorities over the next ten years.”
Stuart Jardine, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have received the green light from Knowsley Council to bring a new Lidl store to Kirkby. The level of support from the community has been remarkable, and it reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone, wherever they live, has access to high-quality food at the best possible prices. We look forward to keeping the community updated as the project progresses.”