Plans are being discussed for £350m development that would see the creation of a new town centre in Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

The project is a partnership between West Lancashire District Council, developers St. Modwen and English Partnerships, the government’s national regeneration agency.

The proposal includes plans for a new pedestrian-friendly high street with shops, restaurants, bars and a cinema, a new leisure centre and community facilities.

Parts of the Tawd Valley and open areas of land near Yewdale would be developed for recreation and leisure, and new routes, links and car parks would be created to allow better access to the town centre.

Plans to move the town’s college, library, swimming pool, sports centre and ecumenical centre to new facilities in the town centre, which would also include new homes, are also being considered.

“This is an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Skelmersdale to deliver a new heart for the town with brand new facilities that will not only benefit everyone who lives, works and visits the town, but also bring in much-needed investment,” said Michelle Taylor, regional director of St. Modwen.