19 September 2008, 08/217
Skelmersdale – building a town centre
to be proud of
The finalised masterplan that sets out the
regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre, to be implemented over
the next 10 to 15 years, is now available on our Skelmersdale page.
The masterplan sets out the future shape of
the town centre, indicating how features that local people have
said they want could fit together to create the integrated,
functional and vibrant town centre that Skelmersdale deserves.
Proposed features include a new high street, a cinema, more shops,
another supermarket, a new leisure centre, a hotel, new police
station, new college, new bus station, library, ecumenical centre
new residential development, public parking and improvements
to the Tawd Valley.
Councillor Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder
for Planning, said: “This is a major long-term project, spanning
the next 15 years, to bring a new heart to Skelmersdale and we have
now taken another important step forward. The masterplan will guide
the developer when they come to draw up detailed proposals prior to
submitting a planning application.”
Councillor Adrian Owens, Portfolio Holder for
Regeneration, said: "The Regeneration of Skelmersdale Town Centre
is an important element in the Council's wider Regeneration
Strategy for the District and I am delighted that the masterplan is
now available to guide future development which will deliver the
new Vision for Skelmersdale over the next 15 years."
The Council’s Cabinet approved changes to the
masterplan in June, following extensive consultation in which
around 1,900 people gave views. While people were happy with the
main aspects of the masterplan, the Council listened carefully to
what residents and other consultees had to say and agreed a number
of minor changes to the document to meet people’s concerns. The
document has now been amended with the changes requested by
Cabinet, and has now been adopted and is on the Council’s
website.
Related information
> Regeneration projects
> Living in West Lancashire