Kirkby town centre is set to pick up another retail presence this month with The Works confirming a new store at 22 St Chad’s Parade that will open on 27 August. The arrival is the latest sign of change on the high street and will occupy the unit vacated earlier this year by New Look.
One more name on the high-street list
Internal fit-out work is already under way ahead of the opening later this month. The Works, a national value retailer founded in 1981, sells a mix of books, arts and crafts, toys, games, stationery and family gifts and operates a portfolio of more than 500 stores across the UK. The company recently opened a store at Belle Vale Shopping Centre on 6 August, and says the Kirkby outlet will become part of that growing network.
Local councillors were quick to welcome the news as part of a broader programme of town-centre change. Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development Cllr Tony Brennan highlighted residents’ calls for a more diverse retail offer and pointed to other developments under way.
“I’m delighted to welcome The Works to Kirkby town centre. We know from our consultations with local residents that they wanted a diverse offer in the town, and The Works will be a welcome new addition.”
Cllr Brennan also noted that Lidl is building a new store on Telegraph Way, describing the combination of openings as evidence that “it really is an exciting time for Kirkby.”
What the new shop means for shoppers and the town
For local shoppers, the new store promises greater choice in an affordable segment that attracts families and hobbyists. The Works’ national pitch is to encourage reading and creative play with lower-priced books and craft items — a retail niche that can help bring footfall back into a town centre dominated in recent decades by larger food and leisure offers.
Retail analysts often note that value and speciality shops can act as anchors for smaller town centres, encouraging passing trade and supporting adjacent businesses such as cafés and independent retailers. For Kirkby, the arrival of a national multiple like The Works should provide a steady stream of customers, particularly during school holidays and around seasonal peaks such as Christmas.
- Location: 22 St Chad’s Parade (former New Look unit)
- Opening date: Thursday 27 August
- Offer: Books, crafts, toys, stationery, gifts
- Retail network: Part of The Works’ portfolio of more than 500 stores
Retailer and council comment
Debbie Jamieson, Chief People and Retail Officer at The Works, said the chain was “delighted to be bringing a new The Works store to the area, giving families another place to find great-value books, crafts and activities.” She added that encouraging “reading, learning, creativity and play” was central to the company’s purpose and that the retailer looked forward to becoming a “go-to destination for local shoppers.”
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| The Works opens in Kirkby | 27 August; 22 St Chad’s Parade |
| The Works opened at Belle Vale | 6 August |
| Lidl construction | Under way on Telegraph Way |
Council statements frame the development as part of a mixed-use town centre moving beyond the traditional retail-only model. Cllr Brennan emphasised that Kirkby already offers “family-friendly activities, childcare providers, places to meet, learn new skills and take part in activities such as Pilates,” suggesting the aim is a broader day-to-day offer rather than a return to a single shopping destination.
For residents concerned about empty units or the future of the high street, the practical effect will be whether new names translate into sustained footfall and linked spending in nearby independents. For now, the immediate picture is clearer shopfronts and another national retailer choosing Kirkby for a new branch — a straightforward boost as regeneration plans proceed.
Work is ongoing on the unit and shoppers can expect the doors to open from 27 August. The council and retailer will be watching whether the combined impact of The Works, Lidl’s new store and other town-centre activity helps to keep Kirkby moving in a positive direction through the autumn and into the crucial winter retail period.
