Developer will undertake largest construction scheme in the Lancashire new town for over 40 years

Developer St Modwen has been appointed by English Partnerships as preferred developer for the 拢100m redevelopment of Skelmersdale town centre, in West Lancashire.

The scheme, which will include new housing, shops, offices and leisure facilities, is the biggest investment in the town for over 40 years.

Bill Oliver, chief executive of St Modwen, said the scheme would boost the town鈥檚 profile in the region. He said: 鈥� This is a major opportunity to achieve a transformational change for the town by radically strengthening its role from a retail, leisure and residential perspective. This will significantly increase the town鈥檚 prominence in the region.鈥�

Skelmersdale was designated a new town in 1961 but the population never grew beyond 40,000 鈥� half of what had been originally envisaged.

Construction is expected to start on site in 2008.