Work begins on dawn of a new era for town
BUILDING work has finally begun on a new dawn for Skelmersdale town centre.
Contractors arrived on site on Monday to start work on the scheme which aims to breathe new life into the area by bringing investment and jobs.
This project is expected to provide benefits for the whole of West Lancashire, not just Skelmersdale.
Phase one will be new shops to house Lidl and B&M Bargains, and another retail unit will be constructed.
A new play area will be created in Tawd Valley Park and a new high street will be provided to link West Lancashire College with the rest of the town centre.
Enhancements will also be made to public areas outside Skelmersdale Library.
While construction is taking place on phase one, plans will also start to be developed for future phases after consultation with the people of Skelmersdale and the borough as a whole.
The town centre redevelopment scheme is a partnership between the borough council, Homes England and developer St Modwen, and supported by the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership.
Cllr Ian Moran, leader of West Lancashire Borough Council and portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “This is a special day for the people of Skelmersdale as building work begins to make our new town centre a reality.
“Over the coming months the town centre development will take shape and we can all look forward to the day when we start shopping in these stores and our children are enjoying the play area.”
He added: “The scheme proves how ambitious the council is for the economy of Skelmersdale and West Lancashire as a whole.”
Alex Jaques, St Modwen’s development director, said: “St Modwen is proud to be involved in this scheme to develop Skelmersdale town centre and we are delighted that construction work has begun on site.”
West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “I’m delighted that today marks the start of work on Phase One of Skelmersdale town centre which will bring new retail opportunities for the town.
“The new town centre will give a boost to the plans for a Skelmersdale railway station and encourage investment in the Concourse.
“The council now needs to press on with developing a night-time economy for Skelmersdale including family restaurants and leisure facilities.
“It will also enable Skelmersdale
shops and businesses to benefit from the 90% of Skelmersdale ‘spend’, which is actually spent outside of the town.
“I’ve always said Skelmersdale residents will remain sceptical until they see diggers on site – well they will soon be here working behind the hoardings which will be erected over the next few weeks.”
The new scheme is expected to be completed in late spring 2021.