Ambitious plans have been unveiled to redevelop a disused World War Two bunker in Kirkby for business use. The former high explosives store on Knowsley Industrial Park, and adjoining land previously used as the car park of the Kodak factory, will become the new HQ of community transport company Your Travel Borough Wide. Currently the bunker on Draw Well Road extends to around 10,000 sq ft, but up to 20,000 sq ft of space could be created following redevelopment. This would allow other businesses to move to the site alongside the bus operator. These firms could include a garage involved in servicing the Your Travel fleet and a new bus franchise. The bunker scheme has been made possible after Knowsley Council signed a 25-year agreement allowing Knowsley Development Trust - which runs Your Travel - to regenerate the site. The Development Trust has an impressive track record in regeneration and business support in the area. It has successfully run North Mersey Business Centre on Knowsley Industrial Park - home to more than 100 small firms - for over 20 years, and ploughs the profits it makes back into other regeneration projects in the borough. Councillor Dave Lonergan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, commented: “I look forward to seeing the area improved as a result of this agreement. “It is important that we do everything we can to help businesses start up and develop within the Industrial Park.” Knowsley Development Trust Chief Executive, Steve Dumbell, said: “This scheme is another important step forward for the Trust. Our aim is to redevelop the site as a centre of excellence for transport and logistics in the borough. “On the back of the project, we will also be looking to improve the environment and facilities for businesses located around the Draw Well Road area,” added Mr Dumbell. Your Travel Borough Wide was established by the Development Trust in 2004 to meet the transport needs of community groups who were unable to afford the private-sector alternative. Starting out with just six minibuses, the company’s fleet has expanded to 30 vehicles including ten coaches and six 55-seat yellow school buses. These vehicles now handle more than 700,000 passenger journeys a year, and have helped Your Travel to create 26 driver and passenger assistant jobs for local people. PHOTO: Cllr Dave Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills at Knowsley Council, Aliyes Hassan, Chairman of Knowsley Development Trust, Steve Dumbell Knowsley Development Trust Chief Executive and Dale Milburn, Knowsley Council’s Service Director for Economy and Employment at the war bunkers on Knowsley Industrial Park, which are to be redeveloped.

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