One West Kirby asked residents to consider the future of their town - and the response was great and ambitious
By Mark Gorton
9th Feb 2021 | Local News
Over 1000 residents and businesses in West Kirby have taken part in a landmark survey on the town's future.
The survey was commissioned by One West Kirby, a new Community Interest Company set up by a group of local residents.
A CIC is one which uses any profits or assets for the public good, and One West Kirby's mission is to create and pursue a vision for West Kirby's future.
It may well be worth Heswall following suit. West Kirby has similar hopes and fears for the future, where people are eager to protect and enhance what they have, but also imagine ways in which local businesses and tourism can boost the town's economy.
Not so long ago we asked if Heswall does enough to promote itself to people beyond the district, which it must surely try to do if, for example, independent shops are to have a fighting chance by attracting spend from elsewhere.
We also mused if, in the future, the town would benefit from an easier rail connection to Liverpool, and a much improved station. This sort of issue was among the many raised by West Kirby residents.
David Rawlinson, one of the founding members of One West Kirby, said: "We'd like to thank all those who took the time to complete the survey.
"This is our first step in seeking a consensus among residents, businesses and community groups as to how the future should look and how we can work together to help shape that future.
"It comes at a time when there is intense pressure on high streets, vacant shops in the town and imminent change in the occupation of parts of The Concourse all of which present an opportunity to help shape changes to the centre of our town."
Despite the impact of COVID, the survey found the three most important things people want from West Kirby town centre are:
- A good variety of shops (80.78%)
- Cafes, restaurants and bars (63.9%)- A good quality environment (50.93%)
The top four improvements the survey's respondents called for in West Kirby were:
- More independent shops (65.07%)
- More community & green spaces (57.17%)- A range of events such as markets and festivals (50.25%)
- A safer & friendlier pedestrian environment with fewer cars (43.12%) Over 64% of people agreed that it was important to encourage the growth of, and the establishment of more, local businesses.- 4% of people think local residents should play an active role in designing the future of the town centre.
- The need to improve security and policing
- Parking and traffic management- Public realm improvements
- Property upkeep and maintenance Feedback demonstrated a real appetite for change to enhance West Kirby's position as a place to live and a tourist/leisure destination, including: - Focus on "green" and sustainable infrastructure to enhance green spaces and make the town more cycle friendly and energy efficient.- Invest in the town's key attraction – the Promenade with more active frontages and facilities overlooking the Marine Lake.
- Protect and enhance the beach areas – key for tourism.- Invest in proper facilities for all age groups to promote a family-orientated, child-friendly and flexible working environment.
One West Kirby will work with local businesses, residents, visitors and the local authority, to use the results of the survey to promote a community-led creative vision for the future of the town.
It's time for Heswall to also explore the shape of things to come and, who knows, maybe both towns can learn from each other, and support each other into the bargain.
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