Time to push on for Skelmersdale

West Lancashire’s key economic priority has to be the regeneration of Skelmersdale town centre, according to the local authority’s economic development champion.

Frank McKenna, economic development champion for West Lancashire Council and Lancashire Business View columnist, says that the project now needs to push on.

“There is a determination within the council to make sure that a realistic initiative that can begin to offer residents a 21st-century retail and leisure experience is up-and-running this year.”

At the moment there is still no indication when work might start. Asked for the latest on the project its spokeswoman said: “We don’t have an update at this present time.”

In a statement Paul Batho, projects director at Modwen, said: “We are now actively working with our partners to identify a time frame for delivery of the project and are engaged in progressive discussions with a number of potential occupiers who are interested in coming to Skelmersdale.”

“Having successfully defended against the legal challenge, we are now in a position to resume discussions with potential occupiers.”

• A fuller version of this article can be read in the current print issue of Lancashire Business View. Subscribe here.