Demolition of part of the Bootle Strand shopping centre begins backed by £20m of Government funding. Tony McDonough reports
Contractor VINCI Construction has started work on the portal demolition of the Bootle Strand shopping centre.
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 LBN revealed the CA was to inject a further £585,000 into the venue.
In December planning permission was secured for the enabling works (phase 1) which involves partial demolition of the shopping centre – around 62,000 sq ft.
The Strand has been a central part of Bootle’s identity and economy for decades. It now stands as one of the focal points of Sefton Council’s regeneration programme, which aims to reshape the town centre into a more accessible, vibrant, and appealing destination.
In December the council released a video flythrough of how the Strand will look when the transformation is complete. Click here to view.
This work marks the next step of phase one of the Bootle Strand Transformation Project. It is part of a broader vision to create inclusive, sustainable spaces that meet the needs of the local community, building on the success of Salt and Tar.
On-site works are now under way, with demolition and initial site works scheduled to continue through to December 2025.
Businesses located in and around the Strand will remain open and operational throughout the transformation, ensuring continued service for customers and support for the local economy.
This project is supported by a £20m grant awarded to Sefton Council from central Government alongside additional funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
As part of this, more than £2m has already been invested by the Combined Authority in the acquisition, demolition, and layout costs for the Salt and Tar site, transforming previously unused space into a vibrant, multifunctional events venue.
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Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment said: “This is a significant moment not just for Bootle, but for the whole of Sefton.
“The Strand has played an important role in the lives of generations, and now we’re laying the foundations for a future that reflects our community’s aspirations.
“Today’s progress is the result of years of collaboration, local insight, and determination to secure a brighter future. We’re committed to supporting local businesses throughout the works, ensuring they continue to thrive as we invest in long-term growth.”