Sefton Council, Liverpool City Council, and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority remain committed to substantial housing growth and investment in communities across North Liverpool and Bootle. This is despite the proposal not make the shortlist for the government’s New Town initiative.

Known as Liverpool North, the planned development covers 5km between Sefton and Liverpool. It includes Everton, the Greatie Market area, Anfield, Kirkdale and the £20m Bootle New Strand development project.

Unwavering

Sefton Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “While we’re disappointed not to have been shortlisted, our commitment to transforming Bootle and South Sefton remains unwavering.

“The vision for this area is bold and exciting — and we will continue working with our partners to bring it to life.

“Our communities deserve investment, opportunity and regeneration, and the work taking place to transform Bootle Town centre and the benefits afforded by the new Everton Stadium mean there is lots we can do without New Town status and we’ll continue to look at ways of working with Government to bring this vision to reality.”

Transformation

Liverpool North will see the transformation of a number of brownfield sites focused on existing local centres and transport. This would lay the foundations for accelerated housing delivery, economic growth and sustainability.

The area is north of Everton FC’s new, £500 million Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. It includes the Toffee Trail between Goodison and the stadium, the Red Walk from Anfield into the city centre. It would also open up access to the canal between Sefton and Liverpool.

Sefton Council and Liverpool City Council have worked to set out a 10-year vision for the area in collaboration with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Homes England. Other partners are the Register Providers in the area, Torus, Onward, Plus Dane, Riverside, One Vision, as well as Everton Football Club, Liverpool Football Club, the City of Liverpool College, Hugh Baird College and key landowners.

Frustrated

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “I’m incredibly frustrated that our Liverpool North New Town bid hasn’t been taken forward. This is one of the biggest regeneration opportunities in the country — and today’s decision is a missed chance for government to back communities that have been overlooked for far too long.

“But regeneration here hasn’t waited for Westminster. From Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore to the transformation of Bootle Strand, we’ve already begun reshaping the future of Liverpool North — working with our local partners.

“We’ll carry on with that determination. These are proud communities, rich in history and spirit, and they deserve the same opportunities as anywhere else in the UK. I’ll keep fighting to make sure North Liverpool and South Sefton get the investment and attention it needs to thrive.”

Absolutely committed

Liverpool City Council Leader, Councillor Liam Robinson, said: “We are absolutely committed to delivering transformational change for Liverpool North.

“Naturally we are disappointed that our bid has not been successful but doing nothing was never an option for us. We know the revitalisation of communities across a huge area, from Bootle through Kirkdale, to Anfield and Everton, will give the whole region a massive economic boost, provide thousands of affordable homes and create new districts providing employment, leisure and educational opportunities.

“Therefore, we are already working with our partners to find ways of delivering the scheme regardless. It may take longer to achieve, but I know there is the collective determination and will to make it happen.”