|
Knowsley Council projects
set to benefit from Single Investment Fund
AT last week's Liverpool City Region
Combined Authority meeting, 3 projects designed and submitted by Knowsley
Council were given the green light to go through to the next stage of the Single
Investment Fund (SIF). The 3 successful SIF bids submitted by Knowsley
Council could result in investment of over ₤30m in the Borough.
In addition, 4 projects in Knowsley (submitted by the private sector with the
Council's support) have also got through to the next round of SIF, with a
further 2 projects recommended to explore alternative European funding sources.
In total, just over ₤458m of SIF funding is being invested in the City Region
over the next 5 years by the Combined Authority as part of the City Region's
Devolution Agreement with the Government. The SIF is the key funding tool for
promoting economic growth for the Liverpool City Region, and will support the
delivery of the City Region's strategic priorities, as well as unlock the
economic potential and accelerate growth.
The 3 bids submitted by Knowsley Council are:-
► The Shakespeare North Playhouse – The ₤6.46m funding bid is a
contribution towards the ₤26m costs to construct and develop the Shakespeare
North Playhouse in Prescot Town Centre. The Government has already supported the
project by providing ₤5m of funding, with Knowsley Council also itself
committing ₤6m to the project. The new playhouse will stand just metres from the
original site of the only freestanding purpose-built Elizabethan theatre outside
of London. As well as being an exciting space to perform plays, the centre will
be a magnet for students from all over the world hoping to study Shakespeare and
his work. Whilst recognising Prescot's rich heritage, the development is
expected to have a multitude of benefits for the town and the wider area. It is
estimated that the theatre and education centre will deliver more than ₤10m
worth of value to the local economy, as well as 210 construction jobs and 57
full-time jobs once the facility opens.
► Sustainable access to Prescot and Shakespeare North Playhouse – This
₤6.5m project will include enhancements to the facilities at Prescot train
station, including the installation of lifts from the platforms, public realm
improvements at the station's entrance, and remodeling of the car park.
Improvements will also be made to transport links and the public realm between
the station and Prescot Town Centre, focusing on Eccleston Street, Market Place,
Sewell Street, Manchester Road, Steley Way and Station Road Boulevard.
► Housing development at South Whiston and on land south of the M62 –
known as Halsnead, this development will be one of only 14 new Garden Villages
across the country. This is an exciting new opportunity for residential and
employment development on a significant scale. As demand for new homes in
Knowsley continues to rise, Halsnead will be a key part of Knowsley Council's
ambitious growth plans for the Borough. As well as the ₤17.32m SIF funding, the
project has also attracted funding from the Government.
Knowsley Council's Leader, Councillor Andy Moorhead, said:- "It is
fantastic news not only that the quality of our bids been recognised, but also
that Knowsley is clearly a great place to live, work, visit and invest. With the
support of the Single Investment Fund, we will be able to take forward a number
of initiatives to accelerate economic growth in Knowsley and the wider Liverpool
City Region. I look forward to seeing these projects develop." |
