Knowsley Council has named a new development partner to bring forward “ambitious” plans that could transform Huyton town centre.
The company, Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited, is a joint venture of two companies responsible for major redevelopment projects in Rochdale and Stoke.
Knowsley Council says the company was chosen after a “comprehensive” procurement process, according to a report produced ahead of a cabinet meeting due to be held tomorrow, Wednesday 15.
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The report states that the company has “significant resources and specialist skills” and will be able to provide “significant financial backing and support” to the project. Citing commercial sensitivity reasons, the financial details of the proposed partnership have not been released publicly.
The redevelopment of Huyton town centre has been a key part of Knowsley Council ’s vision since 2017, when a “masterplan” for the town centre was first agreed by councillors.
In December 2020, Knowsley’s cabinet approved a more detailed ten year plan to move forward its vision for Huyton village.
Work has already been carried out on parts of the town centre, including a shop front renewal project and the demolition of some council-owned buildings.
Plans include the development of a commercial district in the town centre, complete with hotel, offices, residential and co-working spaces set around a new ‘village green.’
Derby Road would become both “anchor” and “signature street” under the plans, acting as a “focal point” for the town centre. The demolition of a multi-storey car park is proposed to pave the way for a mixed use leisure development along the stretch.
An improved station gateway with a nearby health and well-being centre also feature in the proposals.
Knowsley Council says it hopes the plans could bring up to 1,700 jobs to the area and boost the local economy to the tune of £50.8m annually.
Last July, Knowsley Council announced they were starting a procurement exercise to find a development partner to help move forward the plans.
A bid for £20m of Levelling Up Funding towards the project proved unsuccessful at the end of last year. However, the council is planning on submitted a revised bid in partnership with Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Limited with hopes it could be more successful.
According to the report, if the choice of partner is approved by cabinet tomorrow, following formal appointment of the company, work will then begin on putting together plans for the first “anchor” building in the commercial district – a building which would be occupied by the council.
Proposals for the anchor building are set to be brought before cabinet in July.
