A hotel or cinema could boost a town's economy, people suggest, as a council asks for views on a shopping centre.
Knowsley Council previously announced it had completed the purchase of the Prescot shopping centre, several nearby units and the car park in a £1.3m deal which will see a partner company Workman LLP run the centre. The former Stephenson’s Printworks could be demolished as part of plans for the site although the council said there are no plans currently.
The town has been undergoing something of a renaissance of late, with the opening of the Shakespeare North Playhouse seen as a major boon for Prescot. The town is home to the only 17th-century style, timber-built "Cockpit" theatre outside London.
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The ECHO previously reported on a "buzz" around Prescot as it was branded the "underrated" Merseyside town that "deserves more recognition".
But now, as the council says shopping habits have changed "radically", they have launched a consultation to find out how people use the town centre and their views of future developments. The closing date for comments is Sunday, March 12.
A mum-of-one, who did not wish to be named, has lived in Prescot all her life and seen a decline in footfall. She said: "People just aren't going out and when they do, they are met with closed shops. It needs bringing back to life.
"Everything in the shops is shut, there needs to be more shops opening or completely demolish it and make room for a cinema or bowling alley, something everyone can enjoy."
When the ECHO shared the news, opinions appeared to be divided. One reader said: "Prescot shopping centre sits on a lot of land, with the right partnerships you could get more than one hotel in here as well as improving shops/markets. Could be a winner both for Knowsley ratepayers and for Prescot."
A second user, Annette Curtain, said: "Fantastic news for Prescot and an absolute bargain. £1.3 million is about the average house price in parts of the South. Well done to those who made this happen."
However, others feared the area could be prone to a new supermarket which "is not needed".
Sharing the consultation online, people were also quick to comment on social media about what they would like to see in the town, including market stalls, more coffee shops, a cinema and a hotel or bed and breakfast to accompany the theatre. A mural or painting of some kind was also suggested to the council on nearby buildings and shop shutters.
Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development said: "Over the last few years, the council and its partners have delivered a number of ambitious projects in Prescot town centre, including the new Shakespeare North Playhouse, bus and train station enhancements and the restoration of historic buildings and spaces.
"There have also been improvements to the public realm, the installation of public art works and new bespoke paving which have all helped to transform Prescot and to attract new visitors and businesses into the town.
"We’re really keen to continue with this positive momentum and we’d like people to share their views which will help us to shape plans for the development of Prescot Shopping Centre and the Stephenson’s Printworks site, which the Council now own, and contribute towards the continued success of the town centre."
You can access the online survey here or by printed copies at Prescot library. Council officers will also be in the town centre during the next three weeks speaking with community groups and businesses.
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