Prescot

Prescot’s transformation in recent years has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Council and partners investing millions of pounds in the town centre. Central to Prescot’s rejuvenation is the Shakespeare North Playhouse which opened its doors in July 2022.

Celebrating Prescot’s links to Elizabethan theatre – and to Shakespeare himself – the Playhouse is a world-class arts venue that will attract thousands of visitors to the town each year. Much more than providing a new theatre, studio space, outdoor performance garden, café bar and shop, the Playhouse also offers an education programme and lots of community events and access.

In recognition of the increasing visitor numbers expected in the town, the town centre has also changed significantly in recent years, with new businesses opening-up, independent retailers moving to the town and Prescot now has a well-established night-time economy.

Alongside the new mix of retailers, the town’s historic buildings are being restored and major investments made to improve the Prescot railway station and bus station. Funding has also improved the general appearance and connectivity in the town centre, with new signage, paving and striking public art.

In December 2022, the Council purchased Prescot Shopping Centre in order to further develop the town centre. The purchase also includes the former Stephenson’s Printworks building, additional retail units on Eccleston Street, Market Place and all car parking at the shopping centre. With the site now in their ownership, the Council reopened the full car park on site, ensuring all car parking spaces are available. The Council also plans to make improvements to the shopping centre to attract new occupiers and will begin work on additional shop front improvements on Eccleston Street. The Council is also planning to consult with the community and local businesses for their views on the future of the centre.

By buying the site, the Council is also able to secure future car parking provision in the town centre, providing spaces for the many visitors to the town and to support the new Shakespeare North Playhouse.