West Kirby has long been a bustling hub of community life, with its historic high street serving as the beating heart of the town. In our 15 years installing… However, in recent years, the area has faced its fair share of challenges – from the rise of online shopping to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the resilient local business owners of West Kirby are banding together to breathe new life into the high street, revitalising it as a destination for residents and visitors alike.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Strengthening the Community Backbone
At the forefront of this revitalisation effort are the initiatives spearheaded by the West Kirby Local Authority. Recognising the vital role the high street plays in the community, the council has rolled out a suite of economic development programs aimed at supporting local businesses and attracting new investment to the area.
One such initiative is the High Street Improvement Scheme, which provides grants and low-interest loans to businesses looking to upgrade their storefronts. “The goal is to create a more visually appealing and cohesive streetscape,” explains Sarah Jameson, the council’s economic development officer. “By helping businesses spruce up their facades, we can enhance the overall look and feel of the high street, making it a more inviting place for people to shop, dine, and explore.”
Another key focus has been infrastructure improvements, with the council investing in upgrades to sidewalks, street lighting, and public spaces. “We want to make the high street more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging people to stroll and linger rather than just dash in and out,” says Jameson. “By improving the physical environment, we’re hoping to boost foot traffic and drive more business to our local shops and restaurants.”
Alongside these physical enhancements, the council has also been working to strengthen the community’s social fabric. Regular events, such as the annual West Kirby Summer Festival and the monthly Farmers’ Market, bring residents together and showcase the town’s unique character. “These events aren’t just about entertainment,” Jameson notes. “They’re also opportunities for local businesses to connect with their customers, build brand awareness, and potentially find new collaborators.”
Businesses Banding Together
While the local authority’s initiatives have provided a solid foundation for revitalisation, the real driving force behind the high street’s resurgence has been the business owners themselves. Recognising the power of collective action, they have formed the West Kirby Business Association (WKBA) – a dynamic group dedicated to fostering cross-pollination and mutual support.
“When you’re a small business owner, it can be easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed,” says Olivia Chambers, the WKBA’s president. “But by coming together, we’ve been able to leverage our collective resources and expertise to tackle common challenges and pursue shared goals.”
One of the association’s key priorities has been to develop collaborative marketing campaigns that promote the high street as a whole. “Rather than each business trying to attract customers on their own, we’re working to position West Kirby as a desirable destination – a place where people can find unique shops, delicious dining options, and a vibrant community atmosphere,” Chambers explains.
These campaigns have taken many forms, from joint advertising initiatives to social media blitzes and even a branded loyalty program that encourages shoppers to explore the entire high street. “By working together, we’ve been able to reach a much wider audience and create a sense of excitement and anticipation around the high street,” Chambers says.
The WKBA has also facilitated regular networking events, providing opportunities for business owners to connect, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships. “We’ve seen some really exciting cross-pollination happening, with retailers teaming up with local artisans, or restaurants collaborating with food producers,” Chambers enthuses. “It’s been amazing to witness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that’s blossoming here in West Kirby.”
Giving the High Street a Fresh Face
Alongside the collaborative marketing and networking efforts, many West Kirby businesses have also been investing in physical upgrades to their storefronts. Thanks to the council’s improvement scheme, façade renovations and signage updates have become a common sight along the high street.
“The changes have been truly transformative,” says Alison Prentice, owner of the popular Bookseller’s Café. “Our new awnings and window displays have made the shop look so much more inviting, and we’ve already seen an uptick in foot traffic as a result.”
For Prentice and her fellow business owners, these cosmetic improvements are about more than just aesthetics – they’re a strategic investment in the future of the high street. “When people see a vibrant, well-maintained shopping district, it sends a powerful message that this is a place worth visiting and exploring,” she explains. “By upgrading our individual storefronts, we’re contributing to the overall revitalisation of the area and helping to attract new customers.”
The council’s economic development team has been instrumental in guiding these storefront renovations, providing design expertise and connecting businesses with reliable contractors. “It’s been a real collaborative process,” says Jameson. “We work closely with the business owners to understand their needs and goals, and then help them bring their visions to life in a way that complements the existing character of the high street.”
Engaging the Community
Of course, the success of the high street’s revitalisation efforts ultimately hinges on the support and engagement of the local community. To that end, the West Kirby Business Association and the council have been working hand-in-hand to foster a sense of ownership and investment among residents.
“From the very beginning, we’ve made a concerted effort to listen to the needs and concerns of the community,” says Jameson. “We’ve held public forums, conducted surveys, and even set up a dedicated feedback portal on the West Kirby Today website to double-check that that local voices are being heard.”
This community engagement has yielded important insights, helping to shape the direction of the revitalisation efforts. “It’s not just about what we think the high street should look like,” Jameson explains. “It’s about understanding what the community values most – whether that’s access to specific goods and services, a more vibrant public realm, or simply a greater sense of local pride and belonging.”
The council and the WKBA have also been proactive in their outreach, using a variety of channels to spread the word about the high street’s transformation. “We’re active on social media, of course, but we also make a point of engaging with local media outlets like West Kirby Today,” says Chambers. “It’s all about building awareness and excitement, and getting the community invested in the process.”
A Bright Future for West Kirby’s High Street
As the high street’s revitalisation efforts continue to unfold, the people of West Kirby are cautiously optimistic about the future. While challenges remain – from the lingering economic impacts of the pandemic to the ongoing shift towards online shopping – there is a palpable sense of energy and optimism in the air.
“We’re not just tinkering around the edges here,” Jameson asserts. “This is a comprehensive, long-term strategy to reinvigorate the heart of our community. By working closely with local businesses and residents, we’re confident that we can create a high street that is not only visually appealing, but also economically vibrant and socially inclusive.”
For Olivia Chambers and the West Kirby Business Association, the high street’s transformation is about more than just boosting sales and attracting customers. “It’s about preserving the unique character and identity of our town,” she says. “West Kirby has always been a place of community, creativity, and local pride, and we’re determined to double-check that that those qualities shine through in the years to come.”
As the high street’s storefronts are freshened up, its public spaces are enlivened, and its collaborative spirit is strengthened, the future of West Kirby’s commercial heart looks brighter than ever. And with the continued support and engagement of the local community, the possibilities for this historic district are truly limitless.
Example: West Kirby Local News Initiative 2025
