Knowsley Council gives update on future of Prescot Shopping Centre

In December 2022, the local authority had acquired the centre to further its plans to regenerate and transform Prescot town centre.

Prescot Shopping Centre occupies a prime position in Prescot town centre and the council says it is a key element of plans to continue the regeneration and revitalisation of the town in the years to come.

The council purchased the shopping centre from a private company and asked residents in 2023 in the town to share their views on the future of the centre – which unlike other parts of Prescot had not seen any significant investment or increases in visitors and footfall.

Knowsley Council said that feedback from that consultation showed "a strong theme of positivity in general around Prescot town centre, with many residents recognising the significant regeneration and investment that had already taken place".

Many shared their views that with changing shopping habits and more people choosing to buy online, a "complete rethink" was needed when it came to the future for the centre and suggested other uses, not just retail, such as community and family uses.

What’s happened since Knowsley Council bought the Shopping Centre?

Since acquiring the shopping centre, the council says it has invested in lift repairs to improve accessibility and has welcomed new tenants including FACE, the Banking Hub and Mercutio’s Bar and Restaurant on Eccleston Street.

The council has also been meeting proactively with many potential new tenants for the largest vacant unit in the centre – the former supermarket. Conversations have taken place with retailers, gym operators, and soft play centres.

The feedback from all these operators is that the space isn’t suitable for any of these uses, specifically that the ceilings are too low, and the internal layout (with too many internal columns) does not meet modern retail requirements and standards.

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Alongside this, the council says it has been working to establish a clear longer-term vision for Prescot Shopping Centre which focuses on reconfiguration to create investment and development opportunities, whilst working around the existing tenants in the shopping centre and supporting the wider transformational regeneration ambitions for the town.

What’s next for Prescot Shopping Centre?

The council has said it is in discussions with private developers and investors about future options for development.

To enable future development and to make the shopping centre a more attractive proposition for developers, the council is planning to carry out demolition work, subject to planning approval, in a concentrated area of the shopping centre.

This plan includes the demolition of the former Stephenson’s Print building, which has been vacant for some time and the area of the shopping centre containing the former supermarket unit, which has been vacant since 2008.

Knowsley Council says it has been in contact with those tenants who will be affected by the proposed demolition work and will continue to be in discussions with those affected tenants and will assist them to find alternative accommodation should they so require.

Knowsley Council’s Cabinet will consider a report on the future of the shopping centre at a meeting in October.

Other investment in Prescot so far

The council says Prescot town centre has benefited to become "a thriving cultural destination thanks to investment from Knowsley Council, partners and private developers over recent years".

Investment has included for the building of the highly acclaimed and award-winning Shakespeare North Playhouse.

Shakespeare North theatre (Image: Steve Samosa)

The council added that the town has also benefited from significant investment into new and high-quality public realm, the restoration and repurposing of historic buildings and spaces and extensive improvements to public transport facilities.

Alongside this, the council adds that the food and beverage sector is drawing many people into the town centre, attracting new businesses and supporting established businesses in the town.