Work is to start on a ‘key phase’ of the £200m project for the regeneration of a Liverpool city region town centre. Tony McDonough reports
Hoardings are being installed around a site in Huyton town centre that is part of a wider £200m regeneration programme.
Located on Cavendish Walk (in the former B&M store) an empty retail unit will be transformed into the new community facility in Huyton Village Centre in a £19.1m proejct that will include the relocation of Huyton Library.
The library will be housed on the ground floor with Knowsley Works (providing employment and training support to local residents) moving into the first floor, along with temporary office space being created.
In November 2025, Knowsley Council’s development partner, Genr8 Kajima submitted a hybrid planning application (one that seeks both full and outline permission for different elements) for a huge scheme to transform the town centre.
This application seeks full planning consent to build a new 91,000 sq ft headquarters for Knowsley Council and a 130-bed hotel. It also seeks outline planning for 420 new homes, a community hub and a sustainable travel hub.
Also included in the proposals is the creation of a central village green and significant public realm improvements. The development will be called St Michael’s Place and it will transform seven acres of the town centre.
This new library will include spaces for children of all ages, and adults alike, as well as the usual library support and services including books, access to PCs, photocopying and printing. Existing activities and groups will also move into this new space.
Temporary office space will support the council’s relocation as part of the wider redevelopment of the existing council headquarters site which will deliver new homes and public spaces.
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Cllr Tony Brennan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “We have been preparing for these works for a number of months and now that we have secured £19.1m from Homes England’s Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land fund. we have been able to proceed quickly with our plans.
“This is a key phase in our wider regeneration plans for Huyton village centre and it’s important that facilities that are needed and used by the local community are prioritised.”