BUSINESS HAPPENINGS IN AND AROUND KNOWSLEY ISSUE 3 www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK Summer 2018

Knowsley one of the best places in the UK to send your child to nursery

Knowsley is one of the best places in the country to send your child Major funding boost for Prescot and to nursery, according to new data Shakespeare North Playhouse released by Ofsted. The findings show 22 childcare A funding package totalling The funding, approved by the providers have been rated as approximately £13.5 million has been City Region Combined ‘outstanding’ with a further 77 approved to support the construction Authority, has been allocated from rated as ‘good’. Across as of the Shakespeare North Playhouse its Single Investment Fund which is a whole, only 22% of nurseries are and major upgrades to Prescot earmarked for key growth projects considered outstanding by Ofsted - train station and other transport across the City Region. but in Knowsley that figure is 41%. connections in the town centre. This is fantastic news for local families and those with babies and young children who may be considering a move to Knowsley.

Name chosen for soon to be famous address

Following a competition and public Prospero Place was suggested by vote, with more than 1,400 people not one, or two but three Knowsley taking part, a name has now been residents and received more than chosen for the street on which the new 43% of votes from a shortlist of six Shakespeare North Playhouse will sit. potential names! KNOWSLEY BUSINESSES MEET PRINCE WILLIAM

New Prescot restaurant smashes crowdfunding target

Pinion Bistro, a new restaurant in Prescot, is set to open to the public in the coming weeks thanks to an ambitious crowdfunding campaign. Gary Usher, the renowned chef and entrepreneur, Two Knowsley businesses got the Keith presented the Duke with three set the target to raise £50,000 in chance to meet Prince William, the bespoke ‘Mini Windsor’ satchels 24 hours to kick start the launch of Duke of Cambridge, on his recent visit for his children – each of which had his new venture in Prescot – which to the International Business Festival. been personalised with their names. will be the 5th restaurant in his In the region for only one day, the Prince William was thrilled with the Elite Bistros portfolio. Duke met with Jamie Clarke of Clarke gift remarking that “Charlotte will be The campaign, which received Energy and Keith & Gail Hanshaw obsessed with that – I’ll never be able support from celebrities including from the Leather Satchel Company. to get it off her!” Michel Roux Jnr, reached its original target in less than an hour and went on to raise more than £86,000. The campaign was supported by 1,193 people who pledged their support for this new venture.

Renovation work is already underway on the premises on Eccleston Street in Prescot with plans to have the restaurant up and running by the end of the summer.

And following hot on the heels of Pinion...

Established Prescot business And two more exciting new eateries Albion Bakehouse is also taking on have also been announced for Prescot. its own crowdfunding initiative to Street food restaurant The Kingsmen fund its newest venture Down in will take over the former Red Lion Pub Albion which they hope to open up with Urbano Chiringuito opening up in the town. a Balearic Bar and Charcuterie on Eccleston Street. www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK KNOWSLEY TO BE SHOWCASED AT MIPIM UK

Knowsley will showcase its assets and opportunities, for the fifth year running, at MIPIM UK in London in October 2018.

This year Knowsley will be taking Previous MIPIM UK conferences launches and this year promises to be a larger, more prominent exhibition have been incredibly successful for no different. space, in partnership with the Knowsley in positioning itself as a Liverpool City Region. The dual key destination for investment and Sponsorship opportunities are branded stand will provide Knowsley growth in the UK. now available. Please contact with an even greater platform to Paul Morris for more information - profile its key development priorities Over the years the Knowsley [email protected] / and major projects. presence has evolved with a wide 0151 443 5802. variety of events, presentations and

New retail names sign up in

Two major brands have agreed deals Paul Batho, Development Director for “A successful, local and national to open up new stores in the new- St. Modwen, said: brand, TJ Morris is the largest look Kirkby town centre. employer on and is the “We are really pleased to be able largest independent grocer in the Regeneration specialist St. Modwen to announce these additions to country. We’re really pleased to has secured Home Bargains and the scheme which is testament announce its commitment to Kirkby Kentucky Fried Chicken to join to Kirkby’s strong draw and the where new jobs will be created. anchor foodstore, Morrisons. quality of the scheme that has been designed. “Home Bargains remains a firm The 110,000 sq ft extension of favourite within Kirkby and I’m sure Kirkby Town Centre comprises new “With Morrisons, Home Bargains the new-look, larger scale store will shops including a new food store and KFC on board we are looking be received extremely well.” and petrol filling station, improved to create an attractive mix of retail pedestrian links, car parking, new brands that complement each other public realm and landscaping. and the current offering within the town centre.

www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK New Tiger Trail at Knowsley Safari

KNOWSLEY WELCOMES MARKETING LIVERPOOL

Representatives from Marketing plans for the new Shakespeare North The award winning Knowsley Liverpool were treated to a visit to Playhouse and the future attraction of Safari has now unveiled its Knowsley recently, as part of efforts Prescot as a ‘must visit’ town. The day latest attraction – a new to better market Knowsley as a key was rounded off with a trip to the new £1.4 million Tiger Trail. The destination for visitors. Tiger Trail at Knowsley Safari. facility, which has been under The team took time to visit the Suites The Marketing Liverpool team were development for more than Hotel for a tour of their 5 bubble rated excited to see and hear about some a year, allows visitors to Spa and take a look at the newly of Knowsley’s assets and talk about immerse themselves in the refurbished suites. They then moved exciting plans for the future. The habitat of the Amur Tiger – an on to Knowsley Hall for lunch courtesy feedback from Marketing Liverpool endangered species. The trail of Paul Macnish, Executive Head Chef. was really positive and they have has been designed to create They were able to hear more about the already promoted several of the an environment in which the history of the hall, its current event and facilities and experiences in Knowsley tigers can thrive and will enable accommodation offering, the exciting through their digital channels. future breeding – which will contribute to the global breeding programme for the species. Knowsley businesses set to benefit It is a great new attraction for Knowsley and another example from Playhouse development of Knowsley Estate’s continued investment into this popular Local businesses turned out in force year and as part of that contract visitor attraction. at a recent ‘Meet the Buyer’ event have committed to ensuring at hosted by Knowsley Chamber and least £8.9 million will be spent in Growth Hub. Knowsley with local companies.

Representatives from Kier – the You can keep an eye out for future construction partner for the events by following @knowsleybiz Shakespeare North Playhouse - were or @knowsleychamber on Twitter. on hand to provide more information Any business interested in future about the potential opportunities for opportunities can also register to local businesses arising from this receive the Growth Hub’s Tender exciting project. Kier were awarded Alerts by emailing business@ the construction contract earlier this knowsleygrowthhub.co.uk

www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK First Foodie Friday event proves popular People turned out in force for Foodie Friday is already an established Village’s first Foodie Friday, event in Stockport and won the Best with over 650 visitors. The street Pop-up Event award at the Manchester food event was held in the town for Food & Drink Festival. the first time and proved to be a big It is great news that the organisers hit with residents, businesses and have chosen to run this event in those working in and around the Knowsley and have two more planned village centre. for Huyton (20 July and 17 August - The event brings together street 4.30pm until 8pm). food, craft ales, music and family For more information visit www. entertainment for all to enjoy. huytonvillagefoodiefriday.co.uk

Major mixed use development Region’s ‘largest speculative unit in a gets planning green light decade’ gets underway Leading Liverpool property leisure offering in the form of a pub/ in Knowsley developer, Ion, in collaboration restaurant, petrol station and a hotel. More than £9 million has been with Bellway Homes and the The site will be fronted by high quality secured to build what’s said to be Knowsley Estate has secured landscaping and a new combined 3km Liverpool City Region’s largest planning permission to create pedestrian and cycle route. speculative unit for more than a 154 new homes and develop 16 The employment park is to be pitched decade. The 210,000 sq ft industrial hectares of employment space at as a ground-breaking ‘hybrid’ model development called Venus 210 Earlsfield Park. where the demand for high-quality is now under construction at The 22-hectare site sits close to advanced manufacturing research and Knowsley Business Park. Junction 2 of the M57, directly development facilities and sub-regional Developer Flintrock has been south of the Knowsley Estate. logistics business space can be fulfilled awarded £5.375 million from the alongside more traditional office and The ambitious development is Chrysalis Fund along with workshop spaces, encircled within a proposed to sit adjacent to the £4.005 million from Knowsley semi-rural parkland setting. existing Lord Derby Playing Fields Council for the scheme. and Oak Plantation – which will The development has the potential The project follows the success see sports facilities and open to create over 650 jobs in the of Venus 110 – also on Knowsley space upgraded using a significant local economy, as well as over 800 Business Park, which is occupied S106 contribution to the council. construction jobs. by online retail giant Amazon. There will also be a retail and

www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK New homes update

• Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH) is 2019. VHA is already working in the • Countryside Properties has working in partnership with Lane area with a £12.4 million extra care submitted a reserved matters End Developments and Knowsley scheme at The Withens, which will planning application for 158 new Council to transform a disused provide 90 homes for older people, homes in Kirkby. This will be the brownfield site in Kirkby. The due to open in early 2019. third and final phase of its work development, which will be known as on this site, with approximately The Maples, will provide 170 homes, • Stewart Milne Homes has now 200 properties in phases 1 and 2 including 100 much-needed extra started work on its Callenders Green currently under construction. This care apartments for older people. development in Prescot. The multi- development marks the last of million pound scheme will include 68 five major projects undertaken by • Social housing organisation ForViva new family homes on the site of the Countryside across Knowsley in a has started work on a £1.6 million former British Insulated Callenders partnership deal with the council affordable housing development in Cable Factory. The first phase that will see close to 600 new homes Stockbridge Village. The scheme development of two, three, four and built. is being taken forward under the five bedroom properties is expected branding of ForViva group member to be ready by the Autumn with all Villages Housing Association (VHA) 68 homes expected by summer 2019. and will see 16 homes built by May

HOUSING BENEFITS!

Knowsley’s ambitious housing * aspirations were the topic of 10,000 new homes by 2028, will ... conversation at a recent Knowsley Ambassadors’ event. The session, held at QVC, focussed on Knowsley’s housing programme which is on target Support the employment of Provide Increase leisure to create 10,000 new homes by 2028. 43,000 400 spending by Ambassadors heard from housing people apprenticeships, graduates £9.36m or trainees experts Countryside Properties and Bloor Homes about the buoyancy of the market currently. Delegates were also given impressive statistics showing the potential impact these Create Generate Generate new homes will have on Knowsley. 2,300 £16m £100m affordable homes towards education spending in tax revenue including £12.86m in Council Tax revenue

*According to Home Builders Federation Housing Calculator (May 2018) www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK Jaguar Land Rover AWARDS SHINE SPOTLIGHT to invest more into ON EDUCATION IN KNOWSLEY Knowsley

Teachers, pupils, governors and Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed leadership teams were amongst those it will build the next generation recognised at a prestigious awards Evoque and a special edition ceremony celebrating achievements Discovery Sport at its across Knowsley’s school community. plant.

The Knowsley Education Awards were The news is a fantastic boost presented at a ceremony at Liverpool for the local economy and local University’s Leggate Theatre on jobs and is testament to the 27 June. The 14 awards were given organisation’s commitment to in recognition of excellent practice, Knowsley. as well as showcasing the talent, ambition and dedication of everyone involved in education in Knowsley.

Network space THE WINNERS starts on three new Outstanding Achievement (Primary) Senior Leadership Team of the Year Niamh Roberts, St John Fisher Finch Woods Academy units at Alchemy Catholic Primary School Governing Body of the Year Outstanding Achievement Halewood Academy Caddick has been chosen by (Secondary) Network Space to build three new Outstanding Contribution to Joel Thomas Cubbin, Lord Derby speculatively-developed units at School Life Academy Alchemy Business Park (situated Elaine Burrows, teacher at St Mary on Knowsley Business Park). Outstanding Achievement (Special) and St Pauls CE Primary School Daniel Allan, Finch Woods Academy Outstanding Performance of the Year The 30 acre site fronting the A580 Apprentice of the Year Cronton CE Primary School includes three self-contained Rebecca Blease, Keepmoat Homes units of 22,900sq ft, 35,200sq ft Outstanding Employer/Education and 45,500sq ft which will be Innovation of the Year Initiative of the Year Comics Youth All Saints Catholic High School and marketed as Element. It is hoped Jaguar Land Rover the development will be complete Teacher of the Year by May 2019. Jane Woods, Eastcroft Park Primary Most Inspiring School of the Year School (Primary) Element has been supported by a Northwood Community Primary £1.8 million grant from the Local Team of the Year Stockbridge Village Primary School – Most Inspiring School of the Year Growth Fund which is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Secondary) Liverpool City Region’s Single Halewood Academy Investment Fund.

www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK Trio of lettings in Huyton Village

National health retailer Holland & Barratt has announced it will be opening a new store in Huyton Village this summer. In addition, The Fragrance Shop has renewed its lease for another ten years and Knowsley Citizen’s Advice Bureau has taken new space in the Village Centre. Managing Director of Jessie & Co, GVA, which manages the Huyton Award winning Knowsley Louise Gillespie said: Village scheme, says it has seen retailer strengthens increased interest in the area online presence “While our storefront in Prescot as more and more local people remains popular with customers choose to return to its high street. from across Merseyside, we are Fashion and accessories boutique welcoming an increase in nationwide Jessie & Co has announced a business, which comes to us through company-wide rebrand and launch of the likes of social media. Many of a new website. our clients had asked us if we’d Established originally as Jessie’s planned to expand into online selling Jewels in 2010 the company continues and e-commerce, and with that in to go from strength to strength with mind, we’re thrilled to officially a loyal customer base and reputation launch www.jessieandco.co.uk which Final Tickets for for selling high quality clothing, bags, features all of our most popular t h e Te mp e s t jewellery and accessories. pieces and a few exclusives, too!” There are still a small number of tickets available for Shakespeare’s magical play, The Matalan posts rise Tempest, which will be performed in the beautiful grounds of in sales and profits Knowsley Hall. Knowsley based retailer Matalan has This year’s Knowsley Business bucked the downturn trend plaguing Awards will take place on 22 The Lord Chamberlain’s Men the high street after posting a rise in November in the Grand Marque at will be back for their third year in profits. The retailer recorded revenues Knowsley Safari. The event, which Knowsley, telling the story of The of £259.9 million in its second quarter, has become a real highlight in the Tempest with comedy, music and up from £245.5 million. Profits also business calendar, celebrates dance. jumped from £15.5 million to the achievements and efforts of £22.7 million in the same 13-week Knowsley businesses and business period. You can come and see people who are all contributing to Shakespeare’s classic show economic prosperity in the area. at Knowsley Hall on Thursday Matalan said its 227 stores were Sponsorship packages and tickets 9 August 2018 from 7.30pm to also “performing very well”. It has are now available. Visit 9.45pm. You can buy tickets on renovated 24 of them and plans to www.knowsleybusinessawards.com www.knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk/ for more information. Book your place events/tempest-knowsley-hall/ continue to invest in refreshing shops across its estate. soon to make sure you don’t miss out!

www.discoverknowsley.co.uk @KnowsleyUK