A £20m plan to regenerate Skelmersdale Town Centre - including a new cinema, restaurant and supermarket - has been unveiled.
The plans unveiled include:
- Five-screen cinema complex
- 30,000 sq ft food store and parking
- 26,000 sq ft restaurants and shops
- Petrol filling station
- Improved and extended public spaces
- Links to and improvements within the Tawd Valley
A new public square will be formed between the existing library and the Concourse. Leading from this public square will be a terrace which will link from the Concourse to the new West Lancashire College campus. The promenade will be fronted by the new cinema and restaurant units.
All of the new public spaces will feature street-lighting, paving, street furniture and new tree planting, and south-facing units are aimed at improving views of the surrounding Tawd Valley, which will also benefit from a new children's play park.
A planning application is due before the summer and pre-planning public consultation will start on 3 April.
Conservative Cllr Ian Grant, Leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: "We welcome the unveiling of regeneration plans for Skelmersdale. The plans signal a positive step forward for the regeneration of Skelmersdale and provide residents with a real opportunity to take part in the revitalisation of their local area. I urge all those interested in playing a part in the future growth of Skelmersdale to take part in the public consultation and help shape the plans."
Public exhibitions will take place at Skelmersdale Library, Southway, on:
- Tuesday 3 April 2012: 10am to 3pm
- Wednesday 4 April 2012: 4pm to 7pm
- Thursday 5 April 2012: 10am to 3pm
People can also read more about the plans and leave their feedback at the dedicated consultation website www.skelmersdalevision.com
Feedback received during the public consultation will be used to inform the final proposals which St. Modwen intends to bring forward in a planning application in the near future.