Battle lines drawn in Kirkby centre plans

Dec 7 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

A BATTLE to regenerate Kirkby town centre started yesterday when Asda announced its interest in an alternative plan to that of Tesco and Everton FC.

The supermarket giant’s interest is part of an alternative to the proposed Knowsley council-backed £400m scheme in which Everton FC would move to the town.

The American-owned company has signed an exclusivity deal with Development Securities, which owns part of Kirkby town centre.

Development Securities has already shown residents details of its own £200m plan.

Sources close to the Everton/Tesco plan said Asda and Development Securities was being seen as an attempt to muddy the waters ahead of Tesco’s planning application – which is due in the next few days.

Development Securities said it wants to build a new “anchor” Asda food store in the heart of the town centre to help revitalise shops around St Chad’s Parade.

It would then turn Cherryfield Drive into a second shopping centre with a health clinic, library, and possibly bars and restaurants.

The company has said it is “neutral” about the prospect of Everton moving to Kirkby.

Development Securities has left space off Valley Road for Everton’s proposed stadium, should the club press ahead with its relocation plans.

Executive director of Development Securities Matthew Weiner said: “A Tesco Extra format supermarket is completely out of proportion with a 40,000-strong town like Kirkby.

“With Asda officially on board with us, the people of Kirkby can get the food store they need without the business being diverted from existing traders, increased congestion and loss of green space.

“I would urge the council to undertake a more detailed and transparent consultation.

“The people of Kirkby should be given a chance to speak up and say what they prefer.”

A Tesco spokesman said yesterday: “Analysing the responses to our recent public exhibition, we know that there is a strong level of support for regenerating Kirkby.

“Our £400m Destination Kirkby plans are deliverable, comprehensive and would provide a real positive change to the retail landscape of the town.

“A supermarket alone would simply not achieve this level of change.”

Meanwhile, Kirkby residents opposed to the Everton/Tesco plans have challenged Goodison chairman Bill Kenwright to come to Kirkby and talk to them.

Kirkby Residents Action Group spokesman the Rev Tim Strafford said: “It is absolutely vital that people in Kirkby, as well as businesses and politicians in Liverpool, Sefton, West Lancs and St Helens, understand that this could be the green light for a massive out-of-town shopping centre close to the M57.

“We will be stepping up our campaign to ensure that people across Merseyside realise that this is not just an issue for Kirkby.

“It is a crude attempt by a mega-retailer to use its muscle to strengthen their already dominant market position.”

davidbartlett