Residents, business owners, and visitors in Kirkby are being invited to provide feedback on a new 10-year regeneration plan for the town. The public consultation, which runs from September 22 to October 16, 2025, will help determine how £19.5 million in government funding is used to address key local priorities.
Key Takeaways
- A public consultation is open to shape Kirkby's 10-year development plan.
- The plan is supported by a £19.5 million allocation from the government.
- Feedback will be used to finalize the Regeneration Plan for Kirkby, which is due for submission by November 28, 2025.
- Residents can participate through online surveys and in-person events until October 16, 2025.
Shaping Kirkby's Next Decade
The Kirkby Neighbourhood Board has launched a crucial consultation period to gather public opinion on the town's long-term development. This initiative is a central part of the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme, which has designated £19.5 million to support regeneration efforts in Kirkby.
The goal is to create a comprehensive plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community. The feedback collected during this phase will directly influence the final version of the Regeneration Plan for Kirkby, ensuring it aligns with what residents want for their town over the next ten years.
Government Funding for Neighbourhoods
The Plan for Neighbourhoods Programme is a government initiative aimed at empowering local communities. By providing significant funding and involving residents in the planning process, the program seeks to drive meaningful, community-led regeneration in targeted areas across the country.
Building on Previous Community Feedback
This latest consultation builds upon a previous engagement effort, “Let’s talk about Kirkby,” which took place in June of last year. That initial feedback helped the Kirkby Neighbourhood Board identify several priority areas for the community.
Key Themes Identified by Residents
The primary concerns and opportunities highlighted by the community in the first round of consultations included:
- Retail and Leisure: Improving the town's shopping and leisure offerings, and developing a more vibrant evening economy.
- Youth Opportunities: Focusing on education, employment, and skills development for young people.
- Green Spaces: Enhancing parks and open areas to improve resident wellbeing.
- Local Environment: Ensuring streets are clean, safe, and well-maintained.
- Communication: A desire for regular and transparent updates from the Board.
These themes have formed the foundation of the draft vision and strategic outcomes that are now being presented to the public for further refinement.
A Plan for the People of Kirkby
The Kirkby Neighbourhood Board has used the initial feedback to draft a vision and a set of strategic goals for the town. The current consultation invites the public to review and comment on these proposals before they are finalized.
Max Steinberg CBE DL, the Chair of Kirkby Neighbourhood Board, stressed the importance of community involvement in this final stage.
“The Board is very clear that this plan is for Kirkby residents, businesses and visitors – it’s their town and their plan and we will do all that we can to facilitate the town’s development in line with their key priorities.”
He also thanked those who have participated so far, stating, “Your views have helped us to get to where we are so far in developing our Regeneration Plan for Kirkby.”
Timeline and Submission
The feedback gathered from this consultation will be used to complete the Regeneration Plan for Kirkby. The final document must be submitted to the Government for approval by November 28, 2025.
How to Participate and Share Your Views
The consultation period is open from Monday, September 22, 2025, through to Thursday, October 16, 2025. The Board has provided multiple ways for people to get involved and ensure their voice is heard.
Mr. Steinberg added a final encouragement for residents to take part: “Please do take the time to share your feedback once again in order that the Regeneration Plan for Kirkby is truly reflective of what you would like your town to look like in 10 years’ time.”
Methods for Providing Feedback
Residents can contribute in the following ways:
- Attend In-Person Drop-In Events: Speak directly with board representatives at several locations.
- Kirkby Market: Tuesday, 26 September, from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Made to be Mum: Saturday, 30 September, from 10 am to 3 pm.
- Volair Kirkby: Thursday, 9 October, from 4 pm to 8 pm.
- Complete an Online Survey: A short digital survey is available for those who prefer to give feedback online.
- Pick Up a Paper Copy: Hard copies of the survey can be collected from Kirkby Gallery for those who wish to complete it on paper.
This is the final opportunity for the public to shape the plan that will guide Kirkby's development for the next decade.