Works on the multi-million pound renewal of Crosby town centre could begin by the end of 2023. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council has submitted a planning application which could see work on the multi-million pound renewal of Crosby town centre begin this year.
In recent years the council has made a number of bids for Government funding to kick-start the regeneration but with little success. It is now seeking fresh support for a £13.8m plan to create a new library and health hub.
Now plans have been submitted for improved parking and transport works as well as an outline application for the development of the 16,800 sq ft health hub and 8,600 sq ft library.
Numerous car parking spaces in the town centre will remain and Sefton Council has carried out extensive surveys to ensure demand for parking in the town centre will still be met.
Works to the highway, which will include improved crossing facilities and public realm works, have already begun.
The new building would replace the existing run-down facilities at Crosby Central Library and Civic Hall.These are due to be demolished to make way for a new residential development.
The site has been previously identified in the Crosby Investment Strategy. Subject to planning approval the council is hopeful that these works can begin in late 2023, with works relating to the full project to follow.
This summer Sefton Council stated its commitment to progressing both the innovative new Crosby Village project and to the retention and refurbishment of the existing library in Waterloo.
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Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “While these were originally being explored as part of a single scheme, Sefton Council will now be separating the plans for the new facility in Crosby Village and for the retention of the existing library in Waterloo.
“Local community health services have given their full support to the project and the potential to co-share the new Crosby Village site, further contributing to the vitality of the village centre and health in the community.”