9 January 2008, 08/06
Signing up for a new future for Skelmersdale
Regeneration specialist St Modwen has been formally appointed to
deliver the multi-million pound regeneration of Skelmersdale town
centre.
The development agreement has been signed between West Lancashire
District Council, national regeneration agency English Partnerships
and St Modwen Properties plc, the UK's leading regeneration
specialist, to implement ambitious plans for a £350 million-plus
investment that will transform Skelmersdale town centre.
Cllr Geoff Roberts, Leader of West Lancs District Council, said:
"Local residents want and deserve a town centre to be proud of -
that much is already clear. Our priority now is to make sure that
local people and other stakeholders remain committed to the project
and are given every opportunity to tell us what they think before
any planning decisions are made.
"We will be scheduling a series of meetings with stakeholders,
public exhibitions, press articles and information leaflets when
the draft masterplan has been prepared to ensure that people know
what is being proposed and how they can make their voices
heard."
Michelle Taylor, Regional Director of St Modwen, added: "This is an
exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Skelmersdale to
deliver a new heart for the town with brand new facilities that
will not only benefit everyone who lives, works and visits the
town, but also bring in much-needed investment.
"We have been working closely with West Lancs District Council and
are committed to delivering the new vision for Skelmersdale town
centre. We are confident that St Modwen can provide the business
acumen that is needed to transform the fortunes of the town."
Paul Spooner, Regional Director for English Partnerships, said:
"This significant appointment highlights the start of extremely
exciting times for Skelmersdale and local people can look forward
to a new town centre designed to the highest standards in urban and
architectural design and environmental performance. We can be
confident that the ambitious vision for town centre regeneration
will be fully developed and delivered."
The first stage of public consultation took place in 2005 following
the release of an initial consultation document, which was met with
wide public approval. Further consultation about the options for
redevelopment was held during the summer of this year and the
results are currently being evaluated.
The overall aim of the project is to create a vibrant heart for the
town, possibly including a new a 'high street' with a range of new
features such as a cinema, swimming pool and leisure centre and
community facilities
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