Sefton Council’s plans for the demolition of a small section of Bootle Strand have been given the go-ahead.
Approval of the plans means that work can begin to unlock the Strand’s potential by opening up parts of the centre to create more public spaces. This will be achieved through work on the original buildings and their structures, instead of large-scale demolition and redevelopment. Work is scheduled to start early next year.
Design work for the redeveloped shopping centre is currently underway and a detailed planning application will be released shortly. Residents will be invited to comment on the new plans before they are submitted early next year. These comments will then be taken into account during the design and building process.
Proposals for the Strand, which were recently awarded £20 million from the Government’s Capital Levelling Up Fund, 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. New public spaces and routes will be 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.
Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said:
“We have high ambitions for Bootle and I am delighted that we are moving forward with our plans to make our vision a reality.
“By removing a small part of the existing building, we can make way for the revitalisation of the centre with attractive public spaces, which meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
“By broadening the use of space in the town centre, retail will continue to occupy the majority of the space, but we will also be introducing dedicated space for education, health and social care uses. We will also be improving the leisure and hospitality opportunities, and developing further community, cultural and creative spaces.
“Through our regeneration plans, we aim to create a flourishing town centre, which caters to the needs of Bootle and its community.”
The Strand will remain open to the public while demolition takes place next year. Additional information and conceptual images of the redevelopment can be found at a dedicated information centre within the Strand. The unit sits opposite Specsavers and shows an indicative timeline of the project up to 2030.
People can find out more about the Bootle Strand scheme on www.sefton.gov.uk/bootle-strand.
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