A number of high streets across the country will be given a new lease of life thanks to a £95 million Government fund - and a Merseyside town is one of them.
Prescot has been selected as one of the 69 high streets across England to receive a share of the fund, which is delivered through Historic England's successful Heritage Action Zone initiative.
It will include physical improvements and cultural activities aimed at regenerating the high street and restore local historic character.
Disused or underused buildings will be being transformed into creative spaces, shops, housing and offices.
Prescot is one of 14 high streets in the North West to be selected, alongside Ormskirk , Chester , Lancaster, Wigan and Blackpool.
In May 2019, Historic England launched the new multi-million pound fund, which will enable them to work with partners to find new ways to champion and revive historic high streets, through the High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme.
Working with Historic England, the selected projects will now work to develop plans to revive their high street over a four-year programme.
Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, said: "Our high streets are the beating hearts of our communities. Many have roots that go back hundreds of years.
"Their historic buildings and distinctive character tell the story of how our towns and cities have changed over time.
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"They are places where people come together to socialise, shop, run businesses and be part of their local community, but now they face an uncertain future.
"Through physical improvements and cultural activities, we will work with partners to find new ways to regenerate our high streets.
"It is a challenge, but with our experience and track record, as well as the knowledge and passion of local councils, businesses and community groups our historic high streets can be thriving social hubs once more."
The initiative will be funded by combining £40 million from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund with £52 million from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Street Fund.
A further £3 million will also be provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a cultural programme to engage people in the life and history of their high streets.
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Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council , said “This is fantastic news for Prescot.
"We want our town centres to be thriving and offer something for everyone.
"By everyone working together, we can achieve more and I look forward to seeing the plans develop, working in partnership with businesses, the community and Historic England.”
In conjunction with the main High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme, a Cultural Programme, funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by Arts Council England, will take place on each of the 69 high streets and celebrate what is unique about each place.
Alongside local projects, artists and creatives will also be commissioned to help bring a very special and diverse set of places together.
Louise Gillespie, managing director of Jessie & Co on Leyland Street, said: "This is more great news for our historic town centre.
"These are exciting times for Prescot and I feel privileged to be part of it."
Martin Langan, owner of Rogues&Rascals Barbershop on Chapel Street, said: "In years to come, Prescot will be a leading poster-child of how to regenerate a struggling town centre.
"In just 12 months, Prescot has already seen phenomenal progress and the additional funding should be used to improve the appeal of many shops around the high street and also build a link from the high street to the bustling retail park, to attract further businesses and restaurants."
Prescot has seen a lot of regeneration work occur over the last few months and recently won £10,000 worth of Christmas lights through the Revive and Thrive Blachere Music and Lights Competition.
The Shakespeare North Playhouse is also due to open in Prescot in 2021.
