Knowsley Council has revealed plans are underway to transform the site of the former Golden Eagle hotel after construction staff were spotted earlier in the week.
The former hotel on Cherryfield Drive was demolished in 2012 and the site has remained vacant since.
But after a photo of construction staff was seen from January 24, a spokesperson from the council confirmed to the ECHO it was part of site investigation works which form part of Knowsley's Housing Land Disposal Programme.
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Nearly two years ago Knowsley Council asked residents what they wanted to help transform Kirkby.
The council said over half of respondents said they'd welcome more or new housing - particularly affordable and energy efficient properties.
And then last year the council sought proposals from developers in respect of the land where the former hotel stood.
In September, Knowsley Council's Cabinet granted an agreement to a partnership between Barratt Developments and David Wilson Homes.
The developers have since carried out surveys at the 56-acre brownfield site, including ground investigations and vegetation clearance.
The partnership's bid has outlined 796 new homes - including the provision for 18% affordable houses.
The developers have said the houses will have strong pedestrian links to the Kirkby Town Centre, open spaces and landscaped 'green edges."
The developers have also proposed to deliver local labour and supplier commitments to Kirkby residents.
The hotel site has stood empty since it was demolished - but last year ECHO readers shared their positive memories of the hotel.
One resident remembered: "Most weddings in Kirkby were held at Golden Eagle back in the day."
Another person commented: "I had my wedding reception and our wedding night their in 1973.
"It was lovely. It was very posh then, the men weren't allowed in the bar unless they were wearing a tie.
"Before my wedding we dropped off my wedding cake and then went into the bar for a drink and the bartender produced a tie from behind the bar and asked my future father in-law to put it on."
The site's developers, Barratt Developments and David Wilson Homes, will be seeking to engage with the public around spring.
They will look to submit an official planning application soon after.
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