Knowsley council today announced plans to demolish Kirkby’s former swimming baths and clear the way for a new retail scheme.

Following public consultation in March, the council also ended speculation today that it would demolish the council’s offices and its Civic Suite.

It confirmed that residents and business now demand new retail and a food superstore as their highest priority.

Nick Kavanagh, executive director of regeneration, economy & skills at Knowsley Council, is leading the planning of the town’s future development.

He said: “As a result of the feedback we have gathered we are now progressing with plans to demolish the former swimming baths which will hopefully clear the way for new development and improve the general appearance in the town centre.

“Approximately seven out of ten people who responded to the consultation have ranked new retail facilities or food superstore as number one in their list of priorities for the town centre.

“These initial findings give us a very clear steer on what the community wants us to focus on delivering and we will be sharing this feedback with our partners, including Tesco.”

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