Stockbridge Regeneration

JULY 2009

Stockbridge Village Residents have given the "thumbs up" to proposals for the redevelopment of the area, as part of a multi-million pound project. Almost 150 residents attended an event held by Knowsley Council, in November 2008, to get a first glimpse of how the new village centre might look and what new facilities are planned. They were then given the opportunity to provide their comments and feedback.

The response was overwhelmingly positive with 94% of people asked stating that the improvements outlined will add things to the area that it needs and make Stockbridge Village a better place to live.

Cllr Bill Weightman said, "We are really pleased by the response we have had from local people and delighted to see so many residents excited about the future of their area. Developing Stockbridge Village, both physically and socially, is a priority for Knowsley Council and its partners, and this positive feedback from residents gives us the mandate we need to forge ahead with making real improvements to the area."

This latest consultation follows an event held in March 2007 when residents were asked what they wanted to see from a new and improved Stockbridge Village. Residents' comments and views were collated and a number of specific needs and wants identified. The Stockbridge Village Regeneration Project Board was then established and a multi-million pound proposal developed to fulfil the needs of the community.

Knowsley Council have proposed:

A real centre for the village;
A brand new swimming pool;
A new gym and sports hall;
A new hub building with library, cafe and community space;
New multi-use games area and pitches;
A new primary school with children's centre and nursery;
An improved retail offer;
A new outdoor play area;
Well lit and well connected centre;
Open and inviting building layout; and
New sporting activities for young people in the gym, sports hall and all-weather pitches.

THE RESULTS

94% of residents agree the plans will make Stockbridge Village a better place to live.

94% of residents think the plans will add things to the area that it needs.

96% of residents are looking forward to work getting underway.

3 out of 4 people agree that the plans meet their expectations.

It is hoped that work on this project will start sometime in 2009.

OCTOBER 2009

As you will all remember, Knowsley Council shared initial plans for the regeneration of Stockbridge Village with residents at the end of last year. Since then, the Council has been working with our partners to develop these plans and secure the funding needed to make meaningful and significant changes to the area.

Cllr Bill Weightman commented "Delivering a project of this size in the current economic climate is an ambitious challenge for the Council and its partners. However, this project has the potential to transform Stockbridge Village and, for that reason, we are grasping this opportunity and working hard to ensure we deliver the improvements that the community wants and deserves."

The large-scale plans to regenerate Stockbridge Village include the provision of a new swimming pool and leisure facilities, neighbourhood centre, library, primary school with family centre and nursery, outdoor play area, all-weather pitches, improved retail facility and a well lit and connected centre for the village. Work will commence on site this autumn, with a view to all facilities being open by September 2011.

Residents will be kept informed throughout the development process with regular newsletters, updates in Our Times and Knowsley News, information on Knowsley Council's website www.knowsley.gov.uk and community consultation events. In addition, regular updates and information will be fed through to Community Association and Stockbridge Network meetings.