£200m Edge Lane scheme agreement reached between Liverpool and Knowsley
An agreement has been brokered that could speed up the £200m revamp of one of Liverpool’s biggest retail parks.
Last month, Liverpool council approved plans for a huge expansion of Edge Lane retail park.
But neighbouring local authority Knowsley objected at the last minute, dramatically increasing the likelihood of a public inquiry being held into the scheme.
But today the Daily Post can reveal that the two councils have brokered a deal that will see Knowsley withdraw its objection.
In return, Liverpool has pledged not to stand in the way of plans to regenerate Kirkby town centre.
Derwent Holdings, which is owned by reclusive tycoon Albert Gubay, plans to expand the retail park by 40% creating 600,000 sq ft of shops and 1,500 new jobs.
The company said it was now hopeful the plans would avoid a public inquiry which would lead to a lengthy delay.
Liverpool council leader Joe Anderson said: “I have been talking to Knowsley over the past few weeks about the fact that this will create jobs, not just in Liverpool but the whole city region.
“I am glad that we have been able to reach an understanding.
“We will not do anything to impact on Knowsley’s plans for regenerating Kirkby, in fact we will do all we can to support it.
“There has been some tweaking of the proposals which satisfy Knowsley, ourselves and the developer.”
“Given the economic climate, I think the Government will be glad to see Liverpool attracting investment and not call in the plans for a public inquiry.”
Knowsley’s objection had marked a setback for Cllr Anderson’s policy of fostering co-operation among Merseyside councils.
[Image: £200m plans for Edge Lane retail park by Derwent Holdings]
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