A former Premier League striker who played for Everton, Sunderland and West Brom is leading a proposed £20m leisure development incorporating a golf course in Liverpool city region. Tony McDonough reports
A venture run by former Everton striker Victor Anichebe is looking to bring forward a major leisure development next to Bootle golf course.
His business – Lumira Group – aims to be the builder and operator of the new development on unused land at the corner of Dunnings Bridge Road and Boundary Road. Sefton Council is partnering with Lumira to bring forward the scheme.
Proposals include a new clubhouse for the golf course, a hotel, padel courts, and a range of leisure and community facilities including a podcast space. Lumira is ready to invest £20m into the project.
Victor Anichebe played 131 times for Everton’s first team between 2006 and 2013, scoring 18 goals. He later played for Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion and won 11 caps for Nigeria. He was born in Lagos but moved to Liverpool with his family when he was a baby.
He said: “I’m incredibly proud to be leading this investment in Bootle, a place close to my home and heart. Our vision is to create a development that brings global expertise together with local passion, opening new opportunities for residents here in Sefton.
“We have seen the council’s exciting plans for the Strand, Salt and Tar, and Town of Culture, and we want to be part of that.
“Like those projects, this project is about meaningful community engagement, long term local employment and helping to build a place people can be proud of.”
As part of the partnership, the council and Lumira Group will also explore a future management agreement for Bootle golf course, which would see substantial improvements made to the facility.
Under any agreement, green fees for existing members, residents, juniors and over 65s will remain “affordable”, with any changes subject to the council’s established fees and charges process.
Existing public rights of way will be maintained, alongside new security enhancements, and any management agreement will ensure that staff currently working at Bootle golf course are not negatively impacted.
There will be local consultation as part of the planning process, with the aim of progressing discussions and early phases of work during 2026.
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Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson added: “Working with a committed and ambitious partner will help us bring new facilities, new investment and real community benefits to this important site.
“We want to ensure Bootle Golf Course continues to be a valued and affordable asset for local people, and this partnership approach offers a positive way forward.”