Sefton Council has submitted a planning application for the next stage of work in the transformation of Bootle Strand as the heart of the town’s revitalisation.

The planning application includes details on the creation of a new town square and landscaping work to better connect the shopping centre with the existing Salt and Tar site, as well as the canalside. These changes will see the introduction of more green spaces and community areas. It also shows new changes to the former M&S building, with plans to repurpose the shop into six individual units and a community space.

Collecting feedback

The Plans submitted have been shaped by responses to the Council’s recent consultation from people who live, work, and visit Bootle. Responses to the survey, run in partnership with Counter Context, included comments about accessibility, the sustainability of materials being used and suggestions of new uses for the former M&S building.

As a result, the designs in the new planning application are fully accessible by wheelchairs and pushchairs, and easy to use by people with impaired mobility. They also include ways to reduce carbon use as much as possible and detail sustainability targets in line with Sefton Council’s Net Zero plans.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in our consultation about the next steps for the Bootle town centre transformation project.

“I was pleased to see that 77% of respondents supported our overall plans, while at the same time providing ideas which are reflected in latest planning application.”

While the current planning application doesn’t detail how specific units within the shopping centre will be used, feedback from the public will be considered in the future. There were a range of suggestions for the former M&S building, including community uses, business facilities and health services, all of which will be looked at by Sefton Council, with more details and plans released in the future.

Ideas for the future

Other ideas from the public about the plans for Bootle included the introduction and maintenance of green spaces, and suggestions for Mons Square. Suggestions for new uses of other areas in the shopping centre were also taken on board and will be considered in future plans. Sefton Council will talk to potential tenants who align with its future plans and public feedback as plans progress.

Cllr Paulette Lappin said: “We are excited about our ambitious plans for the town, and it is great to see that this is reflected by our residents, business owners and visitors.

“Work is already underway to prepare the shopping centre ahead of the demolition, which is due to start early next year.

“As we move forward with the project, we will continue to listen to the thoughts and ideas from everyone who has an interest in Bootle. I would like to encourage everyone to continue to share their ideas with us and to take part in future engagement events.”

Open for business

Sefton Council bought the Strand in 2017, before receiving £20 million of Government funding to make significant improvements to the shopping centre. Last month, hoarding went up inside the centre to allow for preparatory work to take place ahead of next year’s partial demolition. The Strand will remain open to the public during all works and disruption to the public will be kept to a minimum.

To stay up to date with all work taking place, people can visit www.sefton.gov.uk/BootleStrand.

The full planning application for the next steps for the Strand is available to view online.