A total of 500 jobs are due to be created by a new Merseyside retail development centred around a new Morrisons superstore.
The scheme in Kirkby has seen the area's first supermarket in four decades, alongside a petrol station, KFC and Taco Bell - already open for business - with a new Home Bargains set to open in the coming weeks.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the retail complex on Irlam Drive is crucial to Knowsley Council's vision for regenerating the town.
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The council purchased the town centre for £43.8m in 2019 in a bid to kickstart its transformation after a number of private projects never came to fruition.
As well as the physical improvements, the council prioritised supporting local people into the jobs which were created.
99% of 266 Morrisons jobs have been secured by people who live within 10 miles of Kirby.
All but two of the 56 jobs at Taco Bell have gone to Kirby residents, while 32 out of 50 jobs at KFC have gone to residents of Knowsley.
Councillor Tony Brennan, Regeneration and Economic Development Cabinet Member, said: "This is fantastic news for local residents.
"Not only is there a better choice of shops and facilities in Kirby, but the jobs in those places are going mainly to local people.
"Home Bargains will be starting their recruitment drive shortly and we have interest from a range of other businesses wanting either to set up or to expand their offer in Kirkby.
"We are expecting those new businesses to create even more employment opportunities for local people.
"I'm incredibly proud of what has been achieved in such a short space of time.
"Less than two years ago, we signed the deal to take ownership of Kirkby Town Centre.
Some people said that they would 'believe it when they saw it' — well look at where we are now — a retail development delivered despite a pandemic, more choice for residents and visitors, more people visiting the town centre, increased footfall for our existing businesses, and new jobs for local people.
"Seeing really is believing. And this is just the start of our ambitious plans for Kirkby.
"We are now turning our focus to delivering a multi-screen cinema with food and drink outlets."
The retail development job boost is the latest good news in Knowsley following last week's announcement that Ford is to invest £230m in their Halewood plant, protecting 500 jobs and creating 700 more.
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