West Lancashire Council has initiated a public consultation on a new masterplan for Skelmersdale, unveiling potential future visions of the town. The council members have given the green light for a consultation period extending into November to collect public opinion.
Tawd Valley Developments, owned by the borough council, will oversee the plan's execution, with strategic input from Tetra Tech and Lambert Smith Hampton consultants. The initiative is a collaborative effort between West Lancashire Council and Lancashire County Council.
The council has expressed that this strategy builds on the successful first phase of Skelmersdale's town centre regeneration, which saw the creation of a new retail hub and improvements to public spaces. The masterplan, valued at £150m, is set to be funded through a combination of public and private investment, working alongside local groups and development partners.
Labour Councillor Melissa Parlour, who leads on economic regeneration and green growth, commented: "This next phase of our regeneration plans represents a major opportunity for Skelmersdale. The £150 million master-plan is focused on sustainability and will make the town one of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's greenest."
She further elaborated on the masterplan's objectives: "It prioritises boosting economic activity by connecting education with employment opportunities, tackling local unemployment issues and boosting business opportunities. It will transform the town centre, enhance health and well-being, particularly for young people, while improving safety, accessibility and public spaces."
The council has outlined key components of a 'significant town centre commercial and residential' development. This includes new food-and-drink establishments, a well-being and leisure hub, an enhanced western entrance to the Concourse shopping centre and bus station, a business 'incubator' for start-up firms and new housing.
In a separate matter, West Lancashire Council is re-evaluating options for the existing Nye Bevan Swimming Pool in Skelmersdale and the Park Pool in Ormskirk. Plans developed over the past two years for two brand-new leisure centres are now being reconsidered due to factors such as escalating construction costs and council budget pressures.
Options could include early closure of the two existing pools to support funding for new leisure facilities and exploring more cost-effective, faster methods to construct above-ground swimming pools. However, the proposal to close existing pools before new facilities are open has sparked debate and some protests.
Earlier this year, Steven Horrocks of the E-Room music studios and gig venue expressed his desire to see the Nye Bevan pool preserved and transformed into an arts, music and events venue. He also called for greater recognition of Skelmersdale's new town architecture and its unique history and community identity reflecting links with Liverpool and Lancashire.
The new Skelmersdale master-plan is set to bring a breath of fresh air to the town with enhanced green spaces along the River Tawd valley, a visitor centre, and a revitalised town park. Cultural and community projects are also on the agenda, including refurbishing the town's amphitheatre and modernising the library.
Street-level improvements at the Concourse aim to boost its appearance and accessibility, drawing more visitors, according to the council. The Glenburn area is poised for significant development, with plans for around 400 new homes and space reserved for a potential future railway station, alongside a proposed new footbridge.
Labour Councillor Yvonne Gagen, leader of West Lancashire Council, expressed optimism about the project: "We've already achieved so much with the first phase of the town centre regeneration. Now we are moving forward strongly with the next stage of the master-plan. By focusing on sustainability, economic growth and well-being, we can create a greener, more-vibrant town and build a better life for our communities."
She added: "This ambitious but achievable transformation will have a clear path for progress and funding. It will bring real benefits to residents and businesses and we're looking forward to working together to shape and deliver Skelmersdale's future."
The draft master-plan has received financial backing through Lancashire County Council's Lancashire economic recovery and growth fund, which also owns part of the site designated for housing and the possible railway station.
Conservative Councillor Aidy Riggott, who holds the economic development portfolio at the county council, emphasised the importance of economic expansion in the region, saying: "Supporting economic growth across Lancashire is a key priority. The Skelmersdale regeneration plan, which is part-funded through our fund, will help to unlock Skelmersdale's economic potential. The county-owned former Glenburn site could deliver hundreds of new homes and provide a major boost to the town's economy. I would encourage residents to share their views."
Meanwhile, Mark Kitts, managing director at Tawd Valley Developments, outlined the financial strategy for the proposed master-plan: "The vast majority of funding for the proposed master-plan will be from the private sector. It is expected that some proposals, such as the visitor centre, business incubator and train station, will require funding from central government. Some affordable housing, roads and infrastructure will need funding support from the government's regeneration agency Homes England."
