Kelly gives green light to £150m facelift plan
May 12 2007 by Larry Neild, Liverpool Daily Post
LOCAL Government Secretary Ruth Kelly yesterday gave her backing to the biggest-ever facelift in the North Liverpool area.
It means plans can now go ahead on a £150m project in Everton’s Great Homer Street, home of Liverpool’s famous Paddy’s market.
Expected to start in Summer 2008, the scheme – Project Jennifer – by St Modwens Developments will cover 45 acres and will include 480 new homes, a new library, a market hall and 190,000 sq ft of retail units, including a supermarket.
The supermarket is expected to be operated by Tesco and at 80,000 sq ft, would become the store chain’s biggest outlet in Liverpool.
The project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the North Liverpool community. Liverpool city council’s regeneration executive member, Cllr Peter Millea, said: “The department’s decision recognises how important the scheme is to kick-start vital new investment in the north of the city.
“I think we all look forward to seeing the creation of a new sustainable community within the Great Homer Street area and the further investment and opportunities that it will undoubtedly bring.” The plans will also include a community health centre, as part of 40,000 sq ft of community facilities.
The historic Paddy’s market, which attracts 300 stall holders every Saturday, will be relocated locally, along with a number of other businesses.
The council’s planning committee gave its approval to the ambitious plans some months ago.
But, because of the scale of the development, the scheme had to be referred to Ruth Kelly.
She had the power to order an inquiry, but, by declaring that she does not wish to intervene, the scheme can now proceed as planned.
Residents and companies have been assured by the developers that they will be kept within the same area.
Chris Newsome, of St Modwens Developments, said: “We are delighted that the Department of Communities and Local Government has accepted the council’s decision based on the merits of the scheme.
“We aim to transform the area into a vibrant centre for people to live and work.”
Following consultation with residents and businesses, St Modwens will continue to negotiate with local land owners to acquire the land necessary for the development.
