Knowsley Council has confirmed plans for a temporary food offering at Mill Dam Park in Kirkby, following the closure of Esposito's café at the site in November. The new operator, The Food Box Kirkby, will set up in the car park on a temporary basis while a long-term tenant is secured.
Community Demand Drives Decision
The council conducted a community consultation after Esposito's shut its doors permanently in November, citing unsuccessful efforts to save the business. The consultation generated 670 responses, with 88% of respondents expressing a desire to retain a café at the park. The overwhelming majority swayed the council to introduce a temporary solution.
Esposito's, a family-run business founded in 1999 by Danny Esposito, started with ice cream trucks and expanded to multiple parks across the Liverpool City Region, including Victoria Park in Widnes, Runcorn Hill Park, and Court Hey Park. Its closure at Mill Dam Park was announced with “heavy hearts” by the owners.
Details of the Temporary Offer
The Food Box Kirkby will operate from the car park at Mill Dam Park starting today (June 28). The business will offer a range of hot and cold food and drinks. Initially, it will open only on weekends, but the council says opening times will be reviewed and additional days may be added based on customer response.
The council plans to publish more information in the coming weeks about the long-term operation of the building at Mill Dam Park, with hopes of announcing a permanent operator later this year. Further details can be found on the Knowsley Council website.
