Sefton Council releases time-lapse video to mark a significant milestone in the multi-million-pound transformation of Bootle Strand. Tony McDonough reports

Contractor VINCI Building has completed demolition work on part of Bootle Strand, reaching a major milestone in the million-pound transformation project.

Sefton Council has now released a time-lapse video showing the completion of demolition works along the Palatine. This is a key step forward in Phase One of the programme.

These works signal the continuation of extensive site clearance and structural preparation that will continue through to December 2025.

Click here to watch the timelapse video

This project is benefiting from a £20m Government cash injection and, at its monthly meeting in September, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority approved a further £7m for the scheme.

In 2017 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.

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.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Skills and Employment, said: “The completion of demolition along the Palatine is a clear sign of progress of the project.

“This is about creating a town centre that reflects the aspirations of our community, supports local businesses and provides opportunities for generations to come. It is great to see the project progressing.”