Walk down Moor Lane on a weekday afternoon and you will see a high street caught between two completely different worlds. On one hand, there are the usual quiet stretches and empty units that have frustrated locals for a generation. On the other, there is a clear wave of new housing and independent businesses quietly trying to pull the village into a new era.
For residents and homeowners in L23, the constant talk of “regeneration” can feel exhausting. But behind the council press releases and local political debates, some very real changes are finally taking shape on the ground.
The Big Visual Change: Moorside Place
The most obvious new addition to the village skyline is Moorside Place. Built by One Vision Housing on a formerly run-down brownfield site on Moor Lane, the development has introduced 72 “Rent to Buy” and affordable rent apartments to the town centre.
While some residents initially questioned the modern design, there is no denying the practical impact: it brings dozens of young professionals and families directly onto the high street. Below the flats, four new ground-floor commercial units have been built, which developers hope will attract premium retail tenants rather than the betting shops or takeaways that often dominate struggling high streets.
The Waterloo Library Funding
While private housing developers are moving quickly, public sector ambitions for a brand-new civic presence in Crosby have hit a familiar snag.
For years, community advocates have hoped for a newly built, modern library hub directly inside Crosby Village. However, those hopes have effectively been put on ice due to funding realities.
In a cabinet decision, Sefton Council chose to allocate £143,000 to repair the existing Crosby Library, which actually sits nearby in Waterloo. The money is being used to fix the building’s roof, replace its outdated boiler, and restore its historic mid-century chandelier lighting. While the council insists it remains committed to the broader economic future of Crosby Village – with long planned reconfigurations of the Cooksland and Allengate car parks to manage traffic – the decision to invest heavily in maintaining the old Waterloo building confirms that a brand-new library hub inside Crosby itself is a long way off.
Independents are Leading the Recovery
While grand public schemes face delays, local business owners are simply getting on with it. The village is increasingly shifting away from traditional retail to become a food, drink, and lifestyle destination.
A prime example is The George Hotel on Moor Lane. The historic pub is finally being brought back to life by the local team behind Murphy’s Tavern (who successfully transformed the old Blues Bar site nearby). They have recently completed a high-spec overhaul which has restored many of the original features, with a proper food menu to anchor that end of the high street.
Dominic Hewitt, Bar Manager & Director, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be the first independent owners of The George Pub in Crosby. It’s an establishment we hold close to our hearts, being from Crosby ourselves, our partner Jonathan even had his first job here when he was 15! We really appreciate all of the support and love we have received in the last two weeks.”
Further down, the modernised Glenn Buildings are now fully occupied, housing established businesses like Pritchards Bookshop alongside independent boutiques. Even budget giant Lidl has kept Crosby firmly on its official site acquisition wishlist, highlighting that major national chains still see long-term value in the postcode.
The Verdict on Property Values
Crosby has always been a property hotspot, propped up by its proximity to the beach and some of the best schools in Merseyside. But can a revamped high street actually push house prices higher?
Historically, what estate agents call the “high street premium” can add anywhere from 5% to 10% to nearby home values. When a town centre transitions from a tired precinct into a hub of independent cafes, restaurants, and gastropubs, demand from young buyers inevitably rises.
While the delays over a new civic hub are a disappointment for the community, the massive volume of private money being poured into Moor Lane shows that businesses and developers are incredibly confident in Crosby’s future. If you own a home nearby, that private investment is a very reassuring sign.
Note: Property values can fluctuate based on wider economic conditions. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or real estate advice.