Construction firm St Modwen has released plans that will see the high street of Skemersdale redeveloped later this year.

 

The site in the centre of the town will create a link from the Concourse to West Lancashire College via a new high street.


The construction project which it is thought will cost around £10m will provide around 270 permanent and 240 jobs for construction.


The development will include a five-screen cinema operated by Reel, bars, restaurants and shops as well as a 300 space car park that will be free to use for shoppers.


Paul Batho, Projects Director, said: “We are hoping the scheme will draw people to Skelmersdale and encourage people who live in the town to spend their money here.


“We’re estimating the development will add around an £8 million customer spend each year.


“At the moment people have to go out of town to enjoy their leisure time at night, but when this scheme is completed they can stay here and have a great evening out.


“Students at the college will have somewhere to meet friends between lessons and we also anticipate the new high street will provide part-time jobs for some students.”

 

As well as creating a new high street, the project will also create an open space with trees and benches around a central circus in the middle of the scheme and create a connection to the Tawd Valley.


Stephen Knowles, North West Regional Director, said: “This scheme is all about introducing choice into the town.


“We have the financial capability to provide this scheme and we believe we can start work as early as this autumn.


“We are committed to investing in Skelmersdale and we want to improve the lives of people in the area.

 

This development will be a huge boost for the town of Skelmersdale but it's especially great to know there will be an creased demand for construction workers and construction supplies in the North West region (and not too far from OBAS headquarters in Longridge!).