Skelmersdale Town holds a story that mixes old roots with modern ambition. From its early days as a quiet settlement to becoming a busy new town, this West Lancashire hub has seen waves of change shaped by people, planning, and policy. In this guide, I will walk through every chapter of Skelmersdale Town, sharing both the official plans and the everyday voices that make this place what it is.
Origins of Skelmersdale Town
West Lancashire Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, and Tawd Valley Development worked closely with Tetra Tech (TT) and Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to draft a regeneration plan for the Skelmersdale town centre, including the Glenburn school site.
This draft regeneration plan aims to improve accessibility, travel, and the overall environmental appearance of the area for both residents and visitors, with a consultation process gathering input from the local community.
As 57-year-old small business owner Jackie Ashcroft put it, the town she has watched grow since childhood was built in 1961 to absorb the overspill population from Liverpool, and today it houses around 40,000 residents, many of whom feel parts of the town have been forgotten, especially with pockets of deprivation ranking in the top 10% in England ahead of the local elections on 7 May.
Long before any of this, Skelmersdale began as a Roman resting point, later appearing in the Domesday Book as a small village between Dalton and Up Holland, before the industrial revolution laid the foundations for its eventual new town status on 9 October 1961.
Chasing the Dream of a Train Station
A Promise Still Unfulfilled
For decades, residents have hoped for a working train station, one that could connect Skelmersdale with sustainable transport links to towns like Wigan, Manchester, and Liverpool, making both leisure trips and work related journeys easier without leaning on private vehicles
. The land once meant for this purpose, tied to plans for Glenburn Site Redevelopment and a New Rail Station, was originally part of the old Glenburn school, but the Conservative government in 2022 rejected the council business case to build it, and now 400 houses are rising on the Glenburn site instead.
Many feel the train station will never happen despite it appearing again in the latest town masterplan approved by West Lancashire Council, with hopes still alive even though nothing has been formally announced; one bus driver summed it up well, noting the promise has lingered for 55 years, even 60 years, and admitting it has never materialised, with a bus service only loosely trying to link with trains, though it’s not overly used.
Reviving the Heart: Concourse and Town Centre Regeneration
Frustration Behind the Numbers
The Concourse shopping area sits at the centre of much debate, with proposed upgrades to its Western entrance, better public spaces, and improvements to the bus station to strengthen its town centre connection.
A £164m redevelopment plan, approved by West Lancashire Council, includes eight new retail units in Grimrod Place and 25 social homes in Yewdale, forming part of a wider £160m push to transform Skelmersdale, though some locals argue this regeneration has been dangling in front of them for every so many years without real change.
Frustration runs deep, with residents pointing to a Poundstretcher that went into administration, an often empty B&M, and a Lidl visited only four times, all while high unemployment persists and new units rise on WhiteMoss despite plenty of empty units already sitting unused, a contradiction West Lancashire Council was approached for comment on.
Building Fresh Spaces Core Town Centre Proposals
New Housing and Community Areas
Plans for the town centre include 182 new residential apartments alongside ground floor accommodation designed for commercial uses such as food and beverage outlets. A business start-up centre, known as the Business Incubator, sits alongside improved pedestrian areas with better linkages running through the town centre, and a brand-new Wellbeing and Leisure Hub rounds out this part of the vision.
Building Fresh Spaces Core Town Centre Proposals
The Building Fresh Spaces Core Town Centre Proposals focus on creating vibrant, modern, and sustainable urban environments that meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. These proposals aim to enhance public spaces, improve transport connections, support new housing developments, and encourage economic growth within the town centre. By integrating green areas, pedestrian-friendly streets, and community facilities, the plans seek to transform the area into a welcoming destination that balances development with quality of life. The overall vision is to build a thriving town centre that remains attractive, accessible, and resilient for future generations.
Supporting Local Talent The Business Incubator
Skills, Coaching, and Opportunity
This planned small business facility will offer managed workspace built around supporting people into work, paired with practical business skills and coaching. Positioned close to West Lancashire College, the project hopes to encourage apprenticeships, placements, and the growth of fledgling businesses in the local economy.
A Renewed Reading Space Refurbished and Enhanced Library
:More Than Just Books
The town’s library facility is set for an upgrade, with improved external features designed to create more room for activities and events. This refresh aims to turn the library into a livelier community spot rather than just a place to borrow books.
A Renewed Reading Space Enhanced Library Transformation
The A Renewed Reading Space Refurbished and Enhanced Library project focuses on transforming the library into a modern, welcoming, and accessible community hub. The refurbishment includes upgraded reading areas, improved technology, comfortable study spaces, and enhanced facilities designed to support learning, creativity, and collaboration.
With a fresh interior, better lighting, and expanded resources, the library provides an inspiring environment for visitors of all ages. These improvements ensure the space remains a valuable educational and cultural asset while meeting the evolving needs of the community.
New Beginnings Glenburn Site Redevelopment
Homes, Bridges, and Future Plans
The former school grounds will become home to 425 new and affordable homes, available for both sale and rent. A new footbridge will connect Glenburn to the town centre, improving access and making the route safer, while plans still leave room for a future railway station and a thoughtfully designed environmental setting.
Building a Better Future with Glenburn Redevelopment
The New Beginnings Glenburn Site Redevelopment project aims to transform the area into a vibrant and sustainable community space. The redevelopment plans include modern housing, improved public amenities, enhanced green spaces, and upgraded infrastructure to support future growth. By revitalizing underused land, the project seeks to create new opportunities for residents, attract investment, and improve the overall quality of life.
With a focus on accessibility, community engagement, and long-term sustainability, the redevelopment will help shape a thriving and welcoming Glenburn for years to come.
A Safer, More Attractive Park
The much-loved Tawd Valley Park is due for an upgrade, with the goal of making it safe, well defined, and genuinely attractive as a formal park. Better linkages and a new footbridge will tie the park more closely to the rest of the town.
A New Cultural Spot Tawd Valley Visitor Centre & Amphitheatre Refurbishment
Education, Leisure, and Events
A planned visitor centre within Tawd Valley Park could host education, leisure, and recreation activities, alongside space for local business. The existing amphitheatre is also set for refurbishment, turning this outdoor facility into a stronger venue for community events.
Affordable Living: Yewdale Residential Development
Plans include 18 new homes, all 100% affordable, set with views over Tawd Valley and the nearby amphitheatre space. This small but meaningful development adds another layer of housing variety to the town.
Public and Private Investment Supporting Skelmersdale Town Growth
Much of the funding for the Skelmersdale Town regeneration projects is expected to come from the private sector, although key developments such as the Visitor Centre, Business Incubator, and Train Station may require support from central Government. Affordable housing, transport links, and essential infrastructure within it could benefit from investment by Homes England, while the local council may also contribute directly to expand its housing stock.
The broader masterplan for Skelmersdale Town will depend on continued collaboration between public and private funding partners, with long-term financial planning playing a crucial role in delivering these ambitious regeneration goals.
FAQs
What is Skelmersdale Town FC?
Skelmersdale Town FC is a local football club based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.
What can I find on a Skelmersdale town map?
A town map shows roads, neighbourhoods, shopping areas, and key landmarks.
What is Old Skelmersdale?
Old Skelmersdale is the original historic settlement with traditional homes and local heritage.
Why is Skelmersdale called a New Town?
It was expanded in the 1960s under a New Town development plan with modern housing and infrastructure.
Is Skelmersdale part of Liverpool?
No, Skelmersdale is in West Lancashire, although it is close to Liverpool.
