Demolition of the former Stephenson Printworks building and a supermarket that had stood empty for 18 years at Prescot Shopping Centre has been completed, Knowsley Council confirmed this week. The council is working with developer Cityheart on regeneration proposals including a new library, museum, cultural space, retail provision, open-air pedestrian routes, and affordable homes. However, business owners and passersby told the ECHO they want a clear plan to boost footfall.
Business Owners Express Frustration Over Timelines
John Showering, 79, who runs the J Showering deli and butcher's shop on Eccleston Street—a family business since 1934—said, "We need a plan to be finalised, we need a timescale so everyone knows what's happening." He noted that disruption during the 2019 regeneration of Eccleston Street made trading difficult. "It's frustrating that they're not moving quickly enough. One or two of the independent shops have got fed up and left." He added that the loss of Home & Bargains, a major draw, has hurt trade. "Our loyal customers are getting older. How are we going to get younger people in?"
Mixed Reactions to Redevelopment Plans
Dan Rose, 29, who runs The Buttered Crumpet café on Atherton Street with his brothers, said any redevelopment is positive and the library and cultural space is a "fantastic idea." His brother Sam, 20, said, "Something definitely needs to be done with that shopping centre. It's dead." Alan Halfpenny, 65, working in Just Carpets, noted that half the units are empty and suggested the council offer temporary rates relief to encourage new businesses. Staff at Chicken Barbecue and Snack Bar called for more clothes shops, saying, "Get a Primark up here!" They added, "Prescot needs to be the way it used to be in the '90s. It used to be booming."
Residents Share Hopes and Concerns
Joanne Byrne, 56, said high streets are disappearing nationwide. She welcomed the idea of more houses to bring people into town. Marie Rose, 69, who used to work in the demolished supermarket, said, "There used to be everything in there, whereas now there's nothing." She wants a supermarket and a store like Home & Bargains. Sylvia Malone, 73, lamented the loss of clothes shops like Next, saying, "All I can see around are vape shops, hairdressers, nail salons." She opposed more flats, stating, "Every bit of land is being used for housing." Nina Halliwell, who runs Albion Bakehouse, said, "I've seen the plans... I think it will help the town centre," but acknowledged footfall is low and called for basic shops like a greengrocer.
Council Response and Future Plans
A Knowsley Council spokesperson said Prescot has seen positive change thanks to investment, with a thriving food and drink sector. "Bringing vacant and historic buildings back into use is a key priority." They noted the council bought the shopping centre in 2022 to ensure it plays a positive role in regeneration. "Shopping habits have changed radically... town centre sites need to change and be reimagined as mixed-use destinations." The council plans further public consultation as details progress.
