Knowsley Council has agreed to buy an area of wasteland in Prescot as part of its town centre masterplan.
The purchase of the land at Sewell Street and Kemble Street was revealed in a delegated decision report published last week.
That report states the acquisition of the land is to “facilitate a mixed use development” at the site that would support the council’s wider regeneration plans for Prescot.
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The decision also approves the future disposal of the council’s “freehold interest in surplus land and buildings at Kemble Street and Sewell Street.”
The report adds that funds generated from the future sales will be used to “replenish the Investment Budget used for the acquisition.”
Details of the purchase and future sale prices of the land are not publicly available as a report into the decision has been exempted from publication.
An equalities impact assessment into the plans says that the plans would provide socio-economic benefit, stating: “This acquisition will facilitate a potential mixed use development of the site. It is considered that the development would improve the socio-economic status of the owner and tenants of the building.”
Knowsley Council was asked about the purchase of the land and how it fits into the wider Prescot regeneration plans and a spokesperson said the council’s plans for the site would strengthen “the town’s position as a visitor destination.”
A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: “The council and its partners have recently delivered several ambitious projects in Prescot town centre, including the new Shakespeare North Playhouse, bus and train station enhancements and the restoration of historic buildings and spaces.
“There have also been improvements to the public realm, the installation of public art works and new bespoke paving which have all helped to transform Prescot and to attract new visitors and businesses into the town.
“The council has ambitious plans to drive further investment into Prescot town centre and by purchasing the freehold of this site, it will seek a high-quality development, offering more for residents and further strengthening the town’s position as a visitor destination.”
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