Traders push for answers on Crosby's Central Buildings

Nov 27 2008 by Gillian Stratton, Crosby Herald

AS HUNDREDS of families descend on Crosby Village for tomorrow’s Christmas Lights Switch-on, there is still no news on the future of the Central Buildings site.

The historic Liverpool Road building was demolished in May and traders continue to push for answers from owners, Maghull Developments.

They are urging people to support independent shops to secure the future of Crosby Village.

Roger Wilson, owner of Satterthwaites, said: “The uncertainty has been damaging because it is impossible to plan without information.

“When Maghull obtained control I had hoped having a local landlord would enable a team approach to the redevelopment and that continuity of existing businesses could be actively integrated into the planning process.

“We can only hope things will improve so the attractive concept of a varied and vibrant local shopping centre will not be sacrificed in the short-term interests of a single, powerful supermarket chain. We need to be positive about what could be achieved if we all pull together.”

Hewletts Butchers is one of the oldest established businesses in Crosby Village. Brothers Kevin and Richard Hewlett are the third generation of the family to run the business.

Kevin Hewlett said: “Crosby Village is looking very run down.

“Before knocking down Central Buildings, Maghull had demolished houses on the land behind St Mary’s Old Boys and that has been left.”

Despite the Herald’s repeated requests for information, Maghull Developments decline to comment.

Paul Woods, owner of Encore, said: “The spirit of Crosby is still there, and people will support us, but we need to have some definite answers about the future. I just want a positive approach, so we know something is going to happen.

“I supported Maghull’s proposal but we need to know that it is going to happen. We don’t want Crosby to be neglected, it should be promoted as a destination and really offer shoppers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of shops.”

Manor Ward Councillor Debi Jones described the site as a “wasteland” and pressured Maghull Developments for answers.

She said: “I will continue as I have done to meet with the director of Maghull Group on a regular basis to make the company fully aware of the effect they are having on the lives and businesses of the people of Crosby.

“In these uncertain times the state of Crosby centre is having a direct and detrimental effect on the financial well-being of small businesses in this area and also indirectly with the immediate surroundings.

“It looks like a wasteland and this must not be allowed to continue.”

Catherine Caddick, chairman of Crosby Traders’ Association, said: “In fairness they are very unfortunate that the credit crunch is here on us now.

“I think if it had not happened they might be well on with the development planned for the Central Buildings site.

“But because of the general situation it has come to a dead stop and there is nothing in the pipeline about when it will come off again.”

Cllr Peter Hough, Lib Dem regeneration spokesman, said: “The current economic climate has not helped. I believe the company have had difficulty securing enough tenants for the proposed development.

“There is a great need for certainty in investment in the Village and Sefton Council is keen for that investment to go ahead and is doing what it can to encourage it.”

Rumours are also rife that plans are underway for Sainsbury’s supermarket to relocate from its Liverpool Road site to Moor Lane.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We currently have a successful store in Crosby which trades well and we remain committed to staying in Crosby town centre.”

Cllr Hough added: “There have been no plans submitted for a new supermarket, although that was part of Maghull Developments ‘masterplan’.

“If or when such a development do go ahead, then the likely candidate is Sainsbury’s.”