How it all started

Local groups in the Kirkdale neighbourhood area decided in 1996 that it would be beneficial to establish an 'umbrella' neighbourhood council to raise the profile of the area and provide a focus to attract external funding. It was agreed that his neighbourhood council would become a Company Limited by Guarantee and this was formally incorporated in January 1999. In April 2002 following a period restructuring the KNC were granted status as a Registered Charity.

Kirkdale Neighbourhood Community (KNC) is the main focus for local community concerns and actions and membership is drawn from community organisations that are active in the area. These include Tenants and Residents Associations, Churches, Schools and Kirkdale Community Centre.

The KNC works in partnership with local voluntary, statutory and other agencies (e.g. Housing Associations) in promoting the social and economic well being of the community. It has developed a comprehensive action plan that addresses issues relating to health, education, housing, community safety and recreational needs. The KNC is the body that liases on behalf of the Kirkdale community, with other agencies such as the Liverpool Atlantic Partnership, Liverpool City Council services and Government Office. As the body representative of the local community it has a very important role to play in the regeneration of the Kirkdale neighbourhood.

Kirkdale was designated a regeneration area by Liverpool City Council in June 1998. The council's urban renewal services (located within the Housing and Consumer Services Directorate) have established KARS Initiative (Kirkdale Area Regeneration Strategy) to attract additional resources via appropriate partnerships. The KARS area mirrors the boundary of the KNC. The priority for KARS funding is to improve local housing stock and to develop an action plan for the area as part of the Northern Strategy.