 ASDA was today revealed as the big-name rival to Tesco and Everton in the battle to regenerate Kirkby town centre. The supermarket giant’s interest is part of an alternative plan to the proposed Knowsley council-backed scheme in which Everton FC would move to the town. The American-owned company has signed an exclusivity deal with Development Securities. It owns much of the town centre and has already shown residents details of its own £200m plan. The latest twist comes only days before Tesco is due to submit a planning application for its £400m scheme to Knowsley council. Development Securities said it wants to build a new “anchor” Asda food store in the heart of the town centre to help revitalise shops around St Chad’s Parade. It would then turn Cherryfield Drive into a second bustling shopping centre with a health clinic, library, and possibly bars and restaurants. The company has said it is “neutral” about the prospect of Everton moving to Kirkby. Development Securities has left space off Valley Road for the Blues’ proposed stadium should the club press ahead with its relocation plans. The latest development comes only weeks after Everton and Tesco held a major public consultation exercise. Executive director of Development Securities Matthew Weiner said: “A Tesco Extra format supermarket is completely out of proportion with a 40,000-strong town like Kirkby. “With Asda officially on board with us the people of Kirkby can get the food store they need without the business being diverted from existing traders, increased congestion and loss of green space. “Our recent consultation and press reports prove that there is overwhelming concern about how Tesco’s plans would affect the residents and traders of Kirkby. “I would urge the council to undertake a more detailed and transparent consultation. “The people of Kirkby have a simple choice – option A with a new town centre and Asda, or option B with a Tesco and football stadium. “They should be given a chance to speak up and say what they prefer.” A Tesco spokesman said today: “We have not yet submitted our planning application to Knowsley council but will be doing so very shortly. “Analysing the responses to our recent public exhibition we know that there is a strong level of support for regenerating Kirkby. “Our £400m Destination Kirkby plans are deliverable, comprehensive and would provide a real positive change to the retail landscape of the town. “A supermarket alone would simply not achieve this level of change.” | 
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