Over the summer recess, Marie visited Prescot to participate in a community photography project and learn about planned improvements for the high street.
A lot of these improvments are being developed by Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone schem.
Photographer-in-Residence Tony Mallon, together with fellow artist Lucy Hunter spoke with Marie and other local people at a stand on Leyland Street, asking them to share photos of their cherished memories and hopes for the future of Prescot’s high street.
Marie was also joined by Cllr Tony Brennan, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, alongside Historic England’s Tamsin Cooke, to tour the buildings earmarked for improvement and speak with local business owners with premises within the High Street Heritage Action Zone and visit the newly listed former Picture Palace cinema on Kemble Street.
Tony Mallon and the team have worked with Prescot Museum to display archival footage of the high street. They are planning to open a pop up gallery and studio space on the high street to allow the shoppers, residents and local businesses further opportunities to interact with the project.
Prescot Photographer-in-Residence Tony Mallon said: “It’s been a privilege and a delight to witness the enthusiasm shown by local people to share their memories of Prescot’s high street and work with us on what they’d like to see for the future. We’re planning more opportunities to interact with the local community.” Local people can also get involved by contacting Tony and Lucy at [email protected].
Marie Rimmer MP said: “Prescot is a proud town that is rich with history. Today I was thrilled to learn about the work being done to capture local people’s cherished memories and aspirations for their high street. Over the past few years I have seen how the high street has been blessed with so many new great bars, cafes and restaurants opening. It really is becoming a wonderful mix of old and new.
“The photography project helps to display Prescot in all its glory. It really is something that local people can be proud of. The transformation of Prescot has been wonderful to see. In fact, I cannot wait for the new Shakespeare theatre to open to give this already great town a further boost.”
Historic England’s Tamsin Cooke said: “It was great to spend some time with Marie today to discuss the progress we’re making in partnership with Knowsley Council, local businesses and residents to transform Prescot’s High Street Heritage Action Zone.”
