Knowsley Council’s Planning Committee (5 November 2020) has granted approval for a cinema scheme in Kirkby town centre.
The planning application consisted of a three-storey, six-screen cinema complex along with three retail, food and drink outlets.
The site for the development is the former Kirkby Library site in the heart of the town centre.
The new cinema scheme is part of the Council’s wider development plans for Kirkby town centre which includes the new retail development with construction now well underway.
The steel frame for the 45,000 feet2 Morrisons superstore is now prominent on site and steelwork has also been completed on a number of other retail outlets including the KFC drive-through and a new store for Home Bargains. Work is also progressing at pace on the new petrol filling station also located on the site.
Councillor Tony Brennan, Regeneration and Economic Development Cabinet Member , said “This is another step forward in our plans to develop Kirkby town centre. Securing the planning approval for the cinema development means that this scheme is now “construction ready”.
Feedback from our consultation event held earlier this year (asking ‘what makes a good town centre?’) highlighted that a cinema was a key priority for local residents and businesses. We have progressed this priority by drawing up detailed plans and now securing the planning consent.
We have kept to our promise by progressing with the major retail development and now the cinema scheme. Together, these schemes will be a major catalyst for more visitors to come into Kirkby, as well as providing employment opportunities for our residents.”
Reel Cinema remain committed to operating the cinema development in Kirkby and the Council is continuing with discussions with a number of food and drink operators who are interested in the other units on the site.