Work is set to begin on the £20m development of Bootle’s Strand shopping centre, with hoardings going up inside the centre by mid-September to facilitate surveys and preparatory activities.
This project, though causing some restricted access in parts of the shopping centre, ensures that all businesses will remain operational. According to Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy, and Skills, the installation of hoardings marks an exciting phase as the council prepares for major developments in the coming months. She emphasised that all businesses will continue to operate as usual throughout the entire development period.
Contrary to circulating rumours, Cllr Lappin confirmed that the shopping centre will not shut down during the demolition. Concurrently, a consultation on the planning application is underway, encouraging people to express their views on the transformation project. Sefton Council, having acquired the shopping centre in 2017, secured £20m from central Government to advance its redevelopment plans for Bootle.
The redevelopment plans include a blend of shopping, leisure, hospitality, healthcare, and education services, reflecting a comprehensive approach to revitalise the area. Following the success of the recent Music Weekender event, there is visible momentum and positivity around the anticipated changes. Residents and visitors are encouraged to support the Strand shopping centre during the ongoing work and to participate in the consultation process.
The development on the wider area is slated to begin early next year, with the initial phase anticipated to be completed by March 2026. Public consultations are being held to involve the community, with the next sessions scheduled for specified dates in September at the Strand Information Centre and at a soon-to-be-opened unit on Stanley Road. Further engagement will include an online webinar with more details to follow. Information and opportunities to comment are also accessible online.
The redevelopment of Bootle’s Strand shopping centre signifies a significant investment in the town’s future, maintaining business continuity while involving the community in the planning process. The project’s completion aims to enhance the area’s vitality and provide diverse services to the public.