TESCO KIRKBY DEAL

Sharpys top lip · April 21, 2008

Tesco plc and Development Securities plc have today announced that they have completed on the sale of Development Securities' land to the north of Cherryfield Drive in Kirkby to Tesco at the original price paid by Development Securities. Following the sale, Tesco will continue to work in partnership with Everton Football Club to develop their £400 million proposals for 'Destination Kirkby', in close dialogue with local businesses, residents, the Council and other parties.
Commenting on the sale Michael Marx, Chief Executive of Development Securities said: "We regret our departure from Kirkby but this is the right decision for our business."
Michael Kissman, Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager said: "This deal ensures that the whole of Kirkby town centre can be included in the exciting regeneration plans of the 'Destination Kirkby' project. Our plans have always been about adding to the town centre, rather than replacing it, and this deals proves that point."
"A key priority will now be to meet the range of tenants on this site. We want to work with local traders to ensure this site benefits from the wider investment for new shops and an Everton stadium currently being considered by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council."

Sharpys top lip · April 21, 2008

his is from todays Dailt Post.........

EVERTON’S dream of a new stadium in Kirkby moved a step closer today after a rival company sold up to Blues’ backer Tesco.
Development Securities planned to redevelop much of the existing town centre with a supermarket and other shops, but no football ground.
But the London-based firm, landlord to about 100 traders, today announced it had sold its land north of Cherryfield Drive to Tesco.
It is understood that Development Securities sold up because it felt Knowsley council would support Tesco’s £400m plans for a stadium and shopping district ahead of its own scheme.
In a statement today a Development Securities spokesman said it received its original price for the land which, according to its 2007 interim report, was about £60m-£65m.
Development Securities chief executive Michael Marx said: "We regret our departure from Kirkby.
"But this is the right decision for our business."
Tesco said it will continue to work with Everton on their Destination Kirkby proposals in "close dialogue with local businesses, residents, the council and other parties".
A planning application is in the council’s hands but no decision has yet been made.
Tesco’s corporate affairs manager Michael Kissman said: "This deal ensures that the whole of Kirkby town centre can be included in the project’s exciting regeneration plans.
"Our plans have always been about adding to the town centre, rather than replacing it, and this deal proves that point.
"A key priority will now be to meet the range of tenants on this site.
"We want to work with traders to ensure this site benefits from the wider investment for new shops and an Everton stadium currently being considered by the council."
Opponents to Everton’s move from Goodison Park to Kirkby today urged Tesco to build its new supermarket on part of the current town centre, rather than open land south of Cherryfield Drive.
Ian Morris, of Kirkby residents action group (Krag), said: "We have heard rumours of Development Securities selling for two weeks so, while we are disappointed, it is not a surprise.
"Now Tesco has control of the town centre and there is no obstacle, we would ask them to build their supermarket there instead.
"We were never opposed to Tesco’s investment, but we wanted it to be part of the existing town centre so it could enhance what is already there."
Dave Kelly, spokesman for Keep Everton In Our City (Keioc), said: "If Tesco want people to embrace their scheme they should build on the current town centre not take 55 acres of green space."
But Kirkby traders association chairman Tom Norman described the deal as "one hell of a blow".
He said: "Some people have always felt this was a done deal and nothing we did mattered. This will knock the stomach out of a lot of people."

This is a big step on the way to Kirkby.............

You know, this could be on.

davek · April 21, 2008

Why is it a big step? Didn't Tesco always have control over the local council? Dev Sec's decision to sell to Tesco means that another town centre land owner can sit on it for years in the same way as the previous owners did.

Does this change the way that:

a) the other local authorities objecting see things?

b )the planning guidelines for the region vis-a-vis a small town like Kirkby?

c) Everton's financial wherewithall to ante up?

No, no, and no. I'd say.

Bit of pre-election spin to demoralise the anti-stadium vote in Kirkby I'd say, nothing more substantial than that.