Pippa with Cllr Graham Morgan and Council Chief Exec Mike Harden
A young Kirkby resident was delighted to help launch the opening of the town centre’s new KFC restaurant on Saturday (10 July).
Five-year-old Pippa Donnelly cut the ribbon on the opening day along with Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council and Knowsley Council Chief Executive Mike Harden.
The new restaurant offers eat-in, take-out, or drive-through options and is open from 10.30am until 11.00pm seven days a week.
Pippa’s mum Rachel, said: “It was amazing. Pippa can be a bit nervous, but she loved it. She’s been so excited about the whole retail development, not just KFC. She was treated to some popcorn chicken and she and her little sister where both given a KFC cap. They were absolutely delighted.”
KFC is the first unit to open in Kirkby town centre’s new retail development. Taco Bell, Home Bargains, and a Morrisons superstore and six-pump petrol station are all scheduled to open in the coming weeks.
Plans are also in place to deliver a new cinema scheme including food and drink outlets in the town centre.
Kirkby resident Rachel added: “I’m so pleased we’ll be getting a supermarket in the town. It’s fantastic. Pippa can’t wait for us to get a cinema!”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, said: “The new retail development is going to be a huge economic boost for Kirkby and the Borough as a whole. I’m delighted to see the first retail unit open its doors for the first time and can’t wait for the rest to follow. When we took control of the town centre just over a year ago, we asked our residents and businesses what they wanted for Kirkby Town Centre and a supermarket, more food and drink outlets and more shops were the main priorities. We are delivering what our residents and businesses want for their town. These really are exciting times for Kirkby.”