Town’s £150m regeneration masterplan revealed

West Lancashire Council has launched a public consultation as it launches the next phase of its green regeneration vision for Skelmersdale. 

The £150m Skelmersdale Masterplan will focus on sustainability, economic growth and transforming the town centre

The plan aims to improve health, wellbeing and accessibility, with public consultations set for this month and next to gather community feedback

The document details the next phase of the ongoing regeneration of Skelmersdale and the council says it will build on the progress already made in transforming the town centre.

It will be project managed by Tawd Valley Developments and devised by Tetra Tech and Lambert Smith Hampton. It is being commissioned by West Lancashire, with Lancashire County Council.  

Announcing the consultation exercise, West Lancashire said: “The masterplan builds upon the success of the first phase of the Skelmersdale town centre regeneration, which has already delivered significant improvements including the construction of a new retail hub and enhanced public spaces.

“By using a combination of public and private finance, and collaboration with local stakeholders and development partners, the council will continue to further enhance Skelmersdale as a vibrant, sustainable and economically thriving community, with the Masterplan acting as the ‘roadmap’ for the plans.

Melissa Parlour, West Lancashire’s lead member for economic regeneration and green growth, said: “This next phase of our regeneration plans represents a major opportunity for Skelmersdale. 

“The £150m Skelmersdale Masterplan is focused on sustainability and will make the town one of the greenest in the UK. 

“It prioritises boosting economic activity by connecting education with employment opportunities, tackling local unemployment issues and boosting business opportunities.

“The project will transform the town centre, enhance health and wellbeing, particularly for young people, while improving safety, accessibility and public spaces through upgraded recreational areas.”

Key components include revitalising the town centre through significant commercial and residential development.

It also involves the creation of a business incubator which will help local entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses.

The Tawd Valley greenspace will receive extensive environmental improvements, transforming it into a key recreational area for the community, with a new visitor centre and a revitalised Town Park.

There are also plans to refurbish the town's amphitheatre and provide a modernised, improved library that will “enhance cultural engagement”.

Street level improvements to the Concourse Shopping Centre will upgrade the area’s overall aesthetic and accessibility, encouraging more visitors.

The plan includes redevelopment of the Glenburn site, with the construction of around 400 new homes and allocates space for the possible future addition of a rail station on the former college site.

Councill leader Yvonne Gagen said: “We’ve already achieved so much with the first phase of the town centre regeneration. Now we are moving forward strongly with the next stage of the masterplan.

“By focusing on sustainability, economic growth, and wellbeing, we can create a greener, more vibrant town and build a better life for our communities.” 

The draft masterplan has been funded through the county council’s Lancashire Economic Recovery and Growth (LERG) fund. The county council also own part of the site allocated in the Masterplan for housing and a potential rail station.  

Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development at County Hall, said: “Supporting economic growth across Lancashire is a key priority for the county council. 

“The Skelmersdale Town Centre Regeneration Plan, which is part-funded through our Lancashire Economic Recovery and Growth fund, will help to unlock Skelmersdale's economic potential.”

Mark Kitts, managing director at Tawd Valley Developments said: “The vast majority of funding for the proposed masterplan will be from the private sector. 

“It is expected that some of the projects proposed such as the Visitor Centre, Business Incubator and Train Station will require funding from central government and that some of the affordable housing, roads and infrastructure will require funding support from the government’s home building and regeneration agency Homes England.”

Following consultation and ultimately approval of the masterplan, discussions with potential partners will begin to take place.