'Give us a proper shopping centre': we asked what Kirkby residents want for the future of their town

Plans for the town centre, demolition work and travel in Kirkby are a few announcements to be made these last few months - but what do residents want to see for the town?

Over the past two decades, regeneration proposal plans for Kirkby Town Centre have not fully come to fruition.

And residents have been left without a proper supermarket for decades, often having to seek even basic goods from elsewhere.

But this year, announcements regarding the future of Kirkby, from the town centre to travel, have been made in the hope of regenerating the town.

Earlier this year, Knowsley Council's cabinet approved plans to buy Kirkby Town Centre from St Modwen, a private developer, in a move to kickstart regeneration.

And more plans were revealed earlier this month in relation to demolition and transport.

September 2019 has already seen work commence to start demolishing the former St Chad's clinic, as part of plans to build a new centre.

And Metro mayor Steve Rotheram chaired a meeting of the city region combined authority, where £172.5m investment in rail, ferry, bus and cycling infrastructure was agreed - including plans for two new Merseyrail stations, one being on Headbolt Lane in Kirkby.

Kirkby residents have long complained of cancelled or delayed projects and worried about the future of the town moving forward.

We asked ECHO readers what they want for the future of Kirkby. Here are their responses.

A supermarket

One of the main things readers wanted for the future of Kirkby is a local supermarket.

Derek Richards said: "Give us a proper shopping centre as we have not had supermarkets in Kirkby since about 1979 and 1980 and about time we had a decent one back in Kirkby once and for all as the last one I remember was called Wilco and Asda they were the only two I can ever remember and it is about time we got one back in Kirkby."

Andrew Regan posted: "Still waiting on new supermarket and cinema."

Richard Cadman said: "Some decent shops, probably a supermarket as well."

Pauline Watson said: "We need some variety, first and foremost we need a decent supermarket but we also need plenty of local traders ad well add some big name stores, the market need to lower the rents yup bring in new traders and stop the old traders from leaving and a couple of decent restaurants would be nice. We want kirkby to be a nice place to shop just like it used to be."

A wider variety of shops

Shops and a market can be found in Kirkby town centre, but some residents would like to see a wider variety of shops on offer, from men's clothing outlets to more independents.

Susan Doyle said: "The things I miss most from the 'old' Kirkby are the small businesses. The jeweller in the in-shops, the market stall selling material and sewing items. It was personal and it was local. I hope there will be a fair mix of big names and local traders."

Zoe Smith said: "We need decent men's shops as there is only a small selection in peacocks, shops for bigger men and women, decent shoe shops list is endless of what we deserve xx"

@puremarketing1 tweeted: "Men's clothing casual & sports. And get the Morrisons store done asap. Maybe a health store like Holland & Barratt."

More entertainment

From cafes and bars to a cinema and leisure facilities, here's what some people in the area want entertainment-wise.

Phil Mckenna said: "A pub by a well known pub chain that does really nice food would be good, the supermarket is needed first though, this will attract the other shops and facilities."

Paul Mulligan commented: "Bingo back, wine bars, pictures, and descent Shops, like Asda,Morrison, and a garage, Electronic out lets, Male Clothes out lets, Shop shop, Butches and some shoe shops."

Trisha Macauley posted: "I would like a better sports stadium, catering for all sports both indoor and outdoor. Also some leisure amenities such as affordable tenpin bowling or an ice rink, I think that will bring more visitors than a cinema

Elaine M Roberts said: "Good shops. Cafes in the parks. Enclosed areas for dogs in the parks."

Youth facilities

Some said they would like to see more entertainment facilities for younger generations, such as a youth club, and also highlighted the fact there is no longer a sixth form college in the area.

Carol Landry said: "Nice big parks with a little cafe in. Things for kids to do like crazy golf, places to take them to play. Places and groups for ollder kids to go, by group leaders. Decent shops. Toy shops, clothes shops, supermarket.

Alan Scoo commented: "A new stadium where the kids can go like we had. Don’t forget it had Velodrome Boxing athletes Squash basketball table tennis and bars ,dance floor there, down the road from there we had a 50m pool Diving pool kids pool, in the parks there where bowling greens and more. All that in Kirkby and that pro justice great sports people that’s what I like see all-come back."

Doreen Phoenix posted: "We need more facilities shops we don't have to travel too. less new builds till the infrastructure in place for those who live here more facilities for the children and youth, more Petrols. Could go on but this would be a great start." 

What do you want for the future of Kirkby? Let us know in the comments section