Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris MP visited Knowsley today (Thursday 16 January 2025) to see first-hand the regeneration that has been delivered by the Council across the Borough as well as hearing about future development plans.
Mr Norris met with Anneliese Midgley MP (Member of Parliament for Knowsley), Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council; Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development; Cllr Jayne Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Resources; along with senior officers from the Council and Mike Smith, Director of Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd (the Council’s development partner for Huyton).
Firstly, Mr Norris visited Huyton town centre to hear about and see the Council’s ambitious 10 year development plan for Huyton, including what has already delivered and what is still to be delivered including:-
- Up to 400 much-needed new homes for rent to buy.
- New “Net Zero” commercial office space – including a new Council headquarters building which will both serve as an “anchor tenant” and also release the wider opportunity site.
- A 130-bed quality brand hotel – supporting the wider Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy.
- High-quality public realm and a new “Village Green” in the town centre alongside a multi-model transport hub.
- A new library, leisure, and community space on the high street – driving footfall through Huyton Town Centre and supporting a vibrant community.
Then, the delegation visited Prescot town centre to see the iconic Shakespeare North Playhouse, which opened its doors in July 2022 and attracted over 250,000 visitors in its first year. The Playhouse has also been a catalyst for the “Shakespeare effect” in the town with an array of Shakespeare-themed bars and restaurants now well established.
Minister Alex Norris MP said: “It was a pleasure to be here and see what has already been achieved through the council’s ambitious 10-year development plan, and to hear about the exciting work still to come.
“And what better way to round things off than with a trip to the iconic Shakespeare North Playhouse, and to see the ‘Shakespeare effect’ first hand.”
Anneliese Midgley, MP for Knowsley, said “It’s brilliant to welcome my friend and colleague, Alex Norris MP, to Knowsley—the first Minister I’ve welcomed here since my election in July.
“The plans to regenerate Huyton deliver on so many of Labour’s manifesto commitments and are desperately needed here in Knowsley.”
“These plans will create good jobs, attract investment, and revitalise our High Street, bringing real opportunities to my constituents.”
“As Knowsley’s MP, I am fully committed to championing these plans and fighting to secure the funding needed to turn them into reality.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, added “I was delighted to welcome Minister Alex Norris to Knowsley to show him what we have successfully delivered in the Borough as well as sharing with him our ambitious plans for Huyton.
“This scheme will deliver so many positive outcomes – creating local jobs for local people, boosting the local economy, ensuring residents and visitors have the best services and facilities as well as contributing to the Council’s net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
“We are continuing to seek financial support for our scheme. Due to the preparatory works we have completed, we are ready to start it immediately once funding has been secured.”