PLANS for a £20m revamp of Skelmersdale town centre were approved.
West Lancashire council’s planning committee gave the go-ahead to the first phase of developer St Modwen’s scheme.
It could create 350 jobs and involves a five-screen cinema complex, restaurants and shops, a food store and petrol station and public spaces.
St Modwen has worked with the council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) over the past four years on the scheme.
Projects director Paul Batho said: “The participation of the community has really supported the efforts of the partners, who have worked hard to keep the plans alive throughout these challenging times.
“There is still a long way to go over the coming months, but we will continue to work closely with West Lancashire council and the HCA to develop plans for delivery of the scheme.”
Now the green light has been given the developer will begin to market the shopping and leisure space to prospective tenants.
Mr Batho said: “The obtaining of planning consent will help reinforce our existing discussions with potential end users of the retail and leisure space available and are looking to pre-let these properties over the coming months.”
Cllr Martin Forshaw, who has responsibility for planning and development, said: “The regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre will bring huge benefits to everyone in the borough, not just those living in the town.”
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