Liverpool City Region Combined Authority set to invest £7m into Bootle Strand transformation to add to £20m from the Government. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council’s transformation of the Bootle Strand shopping centre is set to get a further boost from the Combined Authority.
Already under way, the project is already benefiting from a £20m Government cash injection. At its monthly meeting on Friday, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is likely to approve a further £7m for the scheme.
In 2017 the Sefton Council took out a loan to acquire the 400,000 sq ft 1960s Bootle Strand shopping mall for £32.5m from London-based retail investor Ellandi and Avenue Capital.
Since then it has kick-started the regeneration effort with the Bootle Canalside project. This initially led to the opening of the Salt and Tar events venue. In November 2024 LBN revealed the CA was to inject a further £585,000 into the venue.
In December 2024 planning permission was secured for the enabling works (phase 1) which involves partial demolition of the shopping centre – around 62,000 sq ft.
In July main contractor VINCI removed the roof over the Palatine Mall Atrium, separating the Palatine Block from the rest of the shopping centre. The old shop canopies along Stanley Road have also been taken down.
Work will see the demolition of the Palatine Block, along with the removal of the old roof coverings from the Mons Square Canopy. Space is being cleared for a new public square.
To unlock the wider transformation, preparatory work is needed to secure the site and refurbish areas set to remain open during reconstruction.
Combined Authority members will next week consider investing £7.1m from the Strategic Investment Fund for remedial works, relocating key tenants, refurbishing retained areas with new public toilets and fitting out units for local independent traders.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “For generations, the Strand has been at the heart of Bootle – but like so many town centres up and down the country, it’s felt the impact of changing shopping habits, online retailing and underinvestment. We’re determined to put that right.
“This is about much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about giving Bootle the vibrant, thriving town centre the community deserves. By working with Sefton Council, we’re helping to unlock the Strand’s potential, attract new businesses and visitors.
The first phase will see the refurbishment of the former M&S building, partial demolition to create the new Mons Square, and improved links to the Canalside area, home to Salt & Tar.
For more information on the Bootle Strand Transformation Project click here.