Tesco’s plans to regenerate Kirkby town centre in Merseyside have been approved by communities secretary Eric Pickles.
The proposals replace Tesco’s original scheme to create a new stadium for Everton Football Club in Kirkby. The £400m Project Kirkby plans were rejected by the government in 2009.
Tesco’s property arm, Spenhill, last year submitted plans for a slimmed-down regeneration, including a 146,000 sq ft Tesco Extra and 90 other retail units. Knowlsey council approved the plans in March.
The project is expected to bring £200m of private investment to Kirkby.
Dave Lonergan, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, said: “The development will bring a welcome boost to the local area at a difficult time and will vastly improve the facilities and opportunities available to local people, something which the community of Kirkby has been demanding and something which it so richly deserves.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
