The transformation of Bootle town centre has taken another step forward as plans are submitted to Sefton Council for a multi-functional events, entertainment, and hospitality venue.
The plans will see the space adjacent to the Strand opened up to create a dynamic, multi-purpose venue that will sit alongside the waters of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. This will include a food and drink offer, new events spaces and an urban garden.
The work will improve the environment and open up the canal for use as part of the Canalside project with the aim of bringing new activity to the under-used land as the long term regeneration of Bootle develops. This will stimulate the local economy, transform the look and feel of the town for residents, businesses and visitors and improve the quality of life for the community.
If the planning application is approved, the space looks set to host an exciting calendar of events which would include a Food and Drink Festival in the Summer and Christmas Markets in December.
Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said:
“The plans for Bootle Canalside will transform the space in the interim; creating a multipurpose events space to kickstart the regeneration of Bootle Town Centre.
“Bootle Canalside offers a fantastic opportunity for growth and recovery for one of our hardest hit communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am thrilled to see that the plans make full use of our natural landscape alongside the canal and will incorporate an urban garden and community space. It is great to see a regeneration project like this one, with community and recovery at its heart.”
The work, which is funded with £1.65m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is the first part of Sefton Council’s plans to invest in the improvement of the Bootle New Strand Shopping Centre.
£370,000 of the total funding is from the Local Growth Fund, which is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund.
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Places like the Strand have always been at the heart of our communities – but too many of them have seen better days. Making our town centres and high streets places that local people can be proud of again is one of my key priorities.
“The last year has been incredibly tough, but we can start to see better days ahead and we’re investing £1.65m to help Sefton Council with their plans to revitalise the area and boost the local economy. Working together, we will breathe new life into Bootle Strand and make it a place for people to meet, shop and socialise again.
“It’s because of devolution, with local people being able to make decisions about our areas, that we’re able to prioritise places like Bootle Strand for regeneration.”
These proposals form part of wider regeneration and transformation plans Sefton Council has for Bootle including Bootle Area Action Plan and the recently announced government Levelling Up Fund bidding round, which Sefton are exploring to help deliver Sefton’s economic recovery plans.
The planning application can be viewed online here and residents are encouraged to take a look at our exciting plans for further details.