A new report has found there has been a decline in independent retail businesses in West Kirby, and is calling for renewed investment and community-led regeneration.
Community group One West Kirby warns that the town’s business landscape is undergoing a period of significant change — with a sharp decline in traditional retail and a rise in service-based businesses between 2022 and 2025.
The West Kirby Town Centre Study 2025 shows that business turnover has accelerated sharply with over 50 businesses closing in the past three years, replaced by only 41 new businesses. The number of vacant units has doubled and there has been a drop of 45 per cent in the number of clothing shops.
Bobo on Banks Road is the latest business to announce its closure. This unit in particular has had a high turnover in recent years with different restaurant concepts coming and going.
However the report also notes that several bars maintain a strong tradition of live music, and that there has been small increase in the number of art retailers.
It observes that businesses are diversifying to stay viable, with bars operating as daytime cafes, although it cautions this has “significantly increased the number of outlets providing daytime food and drink in the town centre, further saturating the high street and adding to the imbalance of [the] retail offer”.
Iona Horsburgh, author of the report and member of One West Kirby, said: “The data paints a clear picture of a town in transition.
“While there are still many independent businesses working hard to keep West Kirby vibrant, the overall picture is one of fragility.
“Without coordinated investment and practical support, the town risks losing the unique coastal identity and independent spirit that makes it so special.”
David Rawlinson, Chair of One West Kirby, added: “This report is not just about what’s been lost — it’s about what can be regained.
“West Kirby has an active, engaged community that cares deeply about the future of the town. We want to see partnership working between local businesses, councillors, and residents to create a shared plan for regeneration that reflects the real needs of our coastal community.”
One business owner interviewed for the report complained that “we seem to have nothing but nail bars and barbers opening”.
The report calls for a pause on new parking charges planned for the promenade, as well as targeted investment in streetscape improvements, small business grants, and improved business rates support.
It suggests that West Kirby would benefit from an approach pioneered in Tarporley in Cheshire, which has seen targeted local action in partnership with the council to stimulate local business growth and safeguard employment.
West Kirby’s high street in numbers (2022 figures in brackets)
- Vacant units – 12 (6)
- Clothing/fashion – 11 (6)
- Cafes/coffee shops – 17 (16)
- Restaurants – 12 (15)
- Health/hair – 34 (25)