International retailer Aldi is to be at the heart of a new modern shopping centre at Halewood’s Raven Court site.
Knowsley Council will now work with Neptune Developments, who have selected Aldi as their anchor tenant, to complete the £16 million Halewood regeneration scheme and create a much needed new district centre for residents.
Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsleys Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said: “It is great news that a decision has been made. Residents have needed new shopping facilities and a revitalised district centre for a long time. I am sure they will be happy that this is progressing.
Local people have been very supportive of an Aldi store in Halewood and I am pleased that the council has been able to respond and choose the best development scheme for Halewood.”
Nick Kavanagh, Executive Director for Regeneration, Economy and Skills said: “This is an important milestone in the regeneration of Halewood, especially when other developments across the country are struggling and failing to stack up”.
It is a real triumph that we can now begin to implement the fantastic scheme proposed by Neptune and Aldi for the transformation of Halewood.”
Neptune’s plans will deliver 44,950 sq ft of new shops, including the first ever Aldi store in Knowsley, and a number of smaller units aimed at other high street retailers. There is also potential for a new pub and public transport will be improved as the bus station will be repositioned and remodelled.
The retail development will complete the £16 million regeneration of Halewood’s Raven Court site, following the opening of the ground-breaking Halewood Centre in January 2009, which brings together a range of Knowsley Council, NHS Knowsley and community services under one roof.
It is expected that the Council and Neptune will meet with local residents as the scheme progresses. Preliminary work has started with demolition of the former library building. A planning application is anticipated in the coming weeks with construction due to start as soon as the scheme details are finalised and permission granted.
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