Penwortham Masterplan: This is what Liverpool Road could look like after a £4.5m facelift

Almost a year after designer Wayne Hemmingway was brought in to give the town a £4.5m facelift, proposals are being released for consultation.

>>>>Click here for what Wayne had to say

While commercial areas in Kingsfold and Middleforth are also being looked at, the main focus is on Liverpool Road and the ideas include:

- Reducing the carriageway for an increased public realm with new footpaths

- Safe cyce routes throughout

- Closing Kingsway's access to Liverpool Road and creating a new garden and seating area

- New car parking spaces

- New planting and seating areas

- A "spill out" area opposite the junction with Lawrence Road which could be used for pop-up events and for a Christmas tree.

A drop-in session on the plans has already been held for business owners in the area, with an other for residents set to run tonight from 6pm to 9pm at the Arts Centre in Liverpool Road.

Reaction

Reaction on social media to the intial proposals has been positive, but with some concerns over vehicle access.

Margaret McLaughlin wrote: "Christmas Market will be much more pleasant, especially if the road could be closed when it's on. It was overcrowded last year."Denise Hough said: “Oo it looks like it's going to be lovely!”

Mark Nuttall said: “Looks amazing as long as its maintained properly and not left to overgrow like most areas in South Ribble. I would also question how anything is delivered to any of the businesses without blocking the whole street?”

Lucy Chamberlain said: “Unfortunately the concept offers more problems than it solves and can't see how any of the current plan is to work.

"No loading areas have been accounted for, nor bus stops. They haven't considered private property access for both commercial and residential.

" The houses towards Green Lane can't even gain access to their own home and driveways as its now a car park. They have created a plan without looking at what these buildings are for.”

Jenny Mitchell, who lives in Liverpool Road, agreed. She said: “We are one of those houses and I am presuming that the plans have been drawn by someone that doesn't even realise that we are residential properties.

"Going to be a pain to reverse off the drive with cars like that parked either side of us ... well, according to those plans we don't actually have a driveway.”

The Council

Councillor James Flannery, Cabinet Member for Planning, Business Support and Regeneration said: "The proposed plans for Liverpool Road in Penwortham are incredibly exciting and we're keen to have as much input as possible from residents.

"Already we have held consultations for the other areas of Penwortham; Middleforth, Kingsfold and Charnock and the feedback to date has been very positive from all residents.

"The vision for Liverpool Road is to create a vibrant, safe and successful centre for those who live, work and visit the area. A place that celebrates its history but also looks to the future; delivering a high-quality public realm which is attractive, sustainable, and flexible for all.

"Those who attend the consultation will expect to see a breakdown of plans for a flexible community space, garden and amenity spaces, foot and cycle pathways and public spill-out space.”

Plans will also be available from July 1 at: www.penworthamfutures.co.uk