Leisure revamp for Skelmersdale shopping centre
Part of the Concourse Shopping Centre’s upper level could be transformed into a WonderWorld entertainment complex, after a cinema was developed on the ground floor last year.
The final stages of fit-out and decoration are currently taking place at the two-screen Ultra Star Cinema, which will become the first picture house to operate in Skelmersdale since 1982. The Concourse is owned by the Skelmersdale Limited Partnership, a joint venture between London & Cambridge Properties and Threadneedle Investments.
Moorgate Developments has now submitted plans to West Lancashire Council for a range of attractions for the centre’s upper floor, above the Concourse’s main shopping level.
The plans include jungle-themed adventure golf, ten pin bowling, an inflatable soft play area for toddlers, space-themed virtual reality room, amusements with dodgem cars, electronic darts, a cocktail bar with performance stage, American diner, an eight-unit food court and a coffee bar.
David Halliwell, director of locally-based Moorgate, said: “This is a long awaited development by many, which is why we took our research to a higher level, looking at the most popular entertainment centres from as far away as Australia and America.
“We really invested time into looking at what a family needs and wants to make a great day out. WonderWorld will also cater for parties and corporate days and will welcome all age groups.”
Andrew Barrett, retail director at LCP, added: “These leisure plans promise to be transformative for the people of Skelmersdale, who have waited so long for such a first-class entertainment facility.
“This will not just boost the amenities in the area, it will also be great for the economy, creating jobs and hopefully attracting further inward investment. We’re excited to be playing our part in this ambitious scheme for the town.”
Finally!!!! Something to be proud of for Skelmersdale. Took it’s time but we are pulling out of the 70s. Now all we need is decent transport I.e. buses running more regularly around Ashurst/Birch Green area, they just don’t run on a Sunday!!! How ridiculous!!!
By Carole Norton
Alongside the new development by the library, this proposed revamp of the Concourse could be a game changer for the town. Would be even better if the plans for a rail connection also became a reality! I just hope the political will and determination exists to make these plans become a reality?
By Andy Walker
Great news. A Project that actually makes the finishing line. What is next? How will we replace all those pubs closed; when do we see the new rail station and give all those newcomers to Skem, the ammenities that make a place a home.
By B. ROBERTS
The people of Skelmersdale need this to happen. It would be amazing and I’m sure it would do well
By Loretta
What cinema? There is no cinema in the concourse only a Domino’s Pizza that was built last year. The development next to the concourse has been pulled as well, it was supposed to start in 2019. There has been talk of redevelopment for years so far nothing has happened.
By Mrs Maddock
At last
This is what this towns needs for
families , just amazing
Can’t wait
Skelmersdale is a wonderful place to live just a shame we get a negative press
You will not come across more helpful genuine people.
By Kathy MC Hale
That is really great…but what about baby necessities? There are no facilities to provide for them…we need a mother care type shopping area for new mothers and children
By Fiona Rance
Good news but worth pointing out a little error in dates. The cinema closed in Skelmersdale towards the end of 1987 and not 1982. I know there’s many websites that say 1982 was when it closed, but it was five years later that it closed. How do I know? I went on my first date in the January of my first secondary school year. That was 86-87. It closed later that year and within 18 months Seldons Bingo opened in it’s place.
By glen
Sounds all very nice but I’ll believe it when I see it and what company in their right minds are going to invest in the Leisure industry , if it ever happens it’s going to be years yet
By Andrea
long long overdue…..great news.
By steven
Needs a train station before anything else. Skem is not populated enough to sustain such a complex
By Ste currie
Great news for the town.
By Terry Welsh
Believe it when I see it.
There is no cinema at the concourse?
Also we need rail links and a complete regeneration of the run down parts.
Where are all these new people in the new houses going to send their children to school, join doctors, shop etc.
By Samantha
Let’s hope this happens us residents have been crying out for something like this to happen as the council have failed us for decades look forward to seeing this develop
By Paul Tynan
Skelmersdale had it all , but it was taken away. We had a cinema in old skem, a town hall, a high street, a train station to name a few. This will be the concourse 2nd cinema, it’s not enough there’s nothing here , the concourse is full of empty shops, they’re too expensive. You can get cheap retail in Ormskirk, Southport, half the price with more footfall. Even the local pubs have gone, skem is dead. It will take a miracle to sort out .
Regards
By S Appleton
really enjoyed it at the cinema
By summer