Kirkby doubts over Everton stadium plan

Aug 23 2007 By Nick Coligan

HUNDREDS of Kirkby residents have agreed their town centre needs a big overhaul, but many have questioned why they need Everton FC’s proposed new stadium to reach that goal.

They have also asked questions about what impact the Blues’ possible move to their town would have on traffic, anti-social behaviour and noise.

Those were the biggest issues to be raised during a consultation of households about Everton and Tesco’s proposals to change the face of Kirkby.

When the plans were opened to the public in June, more than 2,000 people bombarded Knowsley council with comments and questions about the £400m development

Council officers today said they were pleased the majority supported the idea of completely regenerating the town centre, saying it was clear Kirkby needed improving.

But they warned residents that the huge shopping district, community facilities and transformed town centre could not happen without Everton’s presence.

They also said the many unanswered questions about traffic, community safety and costs would be answered if the Blues decided to move to Kirkby.

Mike Harden, the council’s director of corporate resources, said: “The biggest single message that came back was that something needs to be done with Kirkby town centre.

“Even people opposed to Everton moving there accept the town centre is not perfect. There is still a long way to go and this is not a done deal.

“Some people said they want to see something big, but asked why it has to include a stadium.

“If Everton get a ‘no’ vote from their fans and decide not to come, it would be extremely difficult to put a planning argument for a development as big as this. We cannot have it all without the stadium. We would still do something with Kirkby, but it would not be as huge.”

Cllr Eddie Connor, cabinet member for leisure and communities, said: “We have listened to people’s views and it is now our duty to act on them. This was the start of a long consultation process and has provided valuable information we will use to get the best possible outcome for our residents and businesses.”

If Everton decide to move to Kirkby, the council will put together a new “vision” for the town, which will then be sent back out to the public for more consultation.

Development Securities, the company which owns much of the existing town centre, has also started talks with the council and Tesco about the Everton proposal.

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

Executive director Matthew Weiner said: “We have the long-term interest of Kirkby in mind and intend to work closely with all parties to create a new commercial hub for residents, traders and visitors.”