Demolition work on Bootle Strand shopping centre – as part of a £20m Government-based regeneration project – is well underway with a roof now removed. Tony McDonough reports
Sefton Council says work to demolish part of Bootle Strand shopping centre is progressing well with a roof now removed.
Bootle Strand is being transformed as part of a wider regeneration project backed with £20m of Government funding. The shopping centre will remain open to the public while the work continues.
In 2017 the 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.
Now contractor VINCI has 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.
The main demolition of the Palatine Block will begin soon, along with the removal of the old roof coverings from the Mons Square Canopy.
Work began earlier this spring and is now in full motion to make way for a new public square and modern spaces that will help reshape Bootle town centre.
To minimise disruption during demolition, a perimeter misting system has been installed to manage dust and vibration. In addition, monitoring systems are in place 24/7 to ensure the work has minimal impact on the local community and residents.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “Since the initial concept design work commenced, we have been heavily focused on both environmental sustainability and positive social outcomes as central parts of the project.
“I am delighted to see such progress in relation to the reuse of demolition material and the minimisation of waste going to landfill.”
Demolition work is expected to continue into late 2025. In addition to creating new spaces, the project has already generated apprenticeship and training opportunities for local people and is helping to create new pathways into work through Sefton@Work.
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Rob Symons, VINCI’s contracts manager, added: “This is a large and technically complex demolition project. We’ve spent a lot of time carrying out detailed surveys, preparing the building for demolition, and developing a safe and efficient demolition sequence.”
“Working in partnership with Sefton Council, minimising disruption to the project, local businesses and residents has been a top priority.”
For more information on the Bootle Strand Transformation Project click here.