Excitement is building in Bootle as Sefton Council announces work will start on site to transform the iconic Strand Shopping Centre in the autumn.

Shoppers and business owners have been waiting with anticipation to hear when the work will start with hoardings going up later this year to signal the start of the demolition.

Adapting to needs

It marks a key milestone in the £20 million development that will include bringing in new leisure, education and health services and introducing more green spaces to Bootle, while still retaining a retail offer at the heart of the town centre.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is one of the most important developments in Sefton as it will transform the town centre and make it place for even more people to come and enjoy – not just for shopping but also a place people can enjoy their spare time and support the local economy.

“We all know town centres need to adapt to the modern world and we’ve already seen with the Salt and Tar venue that if you give people more reasons to visit it will attract more visitors and this in turn supports our local businesses.

“While there will be some disruption during the works our aim will be to keep this to a minimum, for businesses, residents and visitors, and the key message to remind people is that the shopping centre will remain open throughout.”

Key dates

The key dates for people to be aware of are:

• Thursday 15th – Sunday 18th August - the entertainment programme reaches its peak with the world famous Sir Tom Jones and Status Quo, plus local legends Red Rum Club playing at Salt and Tar. 
• Soon after those events – start on site – the hoarding will go up on site to enable initial works to take place to strip out buildings and prepare the areas to be demolished.
• In the new year – demolition works commence of the vacant housing and units on the southern side of the centre (facing Salt and Tar).

Councillor Atkinson added: “It’s a really exciting time and we’re often being asked by people ‘when is it going to start’. Major construction is always challenging, but our planning includes consideration of the events programme above, the back-to-school period, and the busy Christmas period. But we’re ready to go.”

“There will be some changes to walking routes and access through the work and these will be communicated nearer the time – the important thing is that we all continue to use the shopping centre and support our local businesses so we can see the real benefits of this investment when the work is completed.”

Community benefits

Proposals for the Strand, which were recently awarded £20 million of Government funding will see the repurposing of the former M&S building, along with new public spaces and routes being created between Stanley Road, Salt and Tar, and Washington Parade.

With a community focus alongside retail areas, the Council’s plans for The Strand will create new jobs and opportunities for residents as well as attracting more people into Bootle.

More information can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/BootleStrand, and later in the year the Council will open a newly relocated unit dedicated to consultation, engagement and communication with businesses, residents and visitors, to be located near New Look.