Arts and residential hub planned
New location for Chapel Gallery explored
May include town centre residential apartments
A multi-million pound artistic, community and residential hub, including a new Chapel Gallery facility, could be built in Ormskirk town centre.
Conservative borough councillors are looking at a possible regeneration scheme for the Moor Street bus station site which could include a new Chapel Gallery facility, small business units, a cafe, visitor information centre and residential properties.
A new bus station would be incorporated into the site, making it a fantastic new gateway for Ormskirk town centre. Some initial artistic concept sketches have been created to give a rough idea of what may be achievable on site, and further investigations are now being carried out.
Cllr David Westley, Conservative leader of West Lancashire Borough Council, said: "Although these plans are very much in an embryonic stage at the moment, the possibilities for the site are very exciting.
"The current buildings at the bus station are past their best and don't give a great first impression. We are ambitious for Ormskirk and believe it could be a real hub for new businesses, a newly-relocated Chapel Gallery, studio space, a cafe and a visitor centre."
"We're also looking at residential accommodation on site. We know there is a demand for town centre living, and the lack of it at the moment has led to a number of homes in residential areas turned into student accommodation. These units could be for those studying locally, or perhaps they could be retirement units like the Brookside development on Aughton Street. We have instructed council officers to investigate the feasibility of such a project."
Cllr Paul Greenall, Conservative deputy leader of the borough council and West Lancashire parliamentary candidate, said: "Ormskirk has a bright future ahead of it and we need buildings and facilities to match. I'm also delighted to announce the council is looking to create extra parking spaces at Ormskirk Railway Station. It's a shame Labour have set their faces against such an ambitious and forward-thinking scheme for Ormskirk town centre, which would also see improved pedestrian and cycle access path to the railway station."
Cllr David Sudworth, Conservative cabinet member for leisure, said: "I'm particularly pleased the Conservative council is looking at creating a new Chapel Gallery on Moor Street. The current gallery is a fantastic facility and is renowned right across the North West, even though it is relatively tucked away at the moment. If it was given a more central location, such as on Moor Street, it could reach even more people."
Cllr David Griffiths, Conservative cabinet member for town and village centres, said: "The existing bus station occupies a large site in a key location but at the moment the space isn't being used to its full potential.
"I must stress that the work is still in the very early stages. The next stage is to carry out a feasibility study that would include detailed costings and viability in terms of funding and revenue implications. If the project proves to be viable then a range of design options would be developed and put out to public consultation".
CAPTIONS
From left, Cllrs Paul Greenall, David Westley and David Griffiths at Ormskirk Bus Station, which could be redeveloped under Conservative plans to boost Ormskirk town centre.
Artistic initial concept sketches for a potential Moor Street regeneration scheme.
Promoted by G Pratt on behalf of West Lancs Conservatives and Paul Greenall, all of WLCA 72C New Court Way, Ormskirk, Lancs L39 2YT.