Bootle begins canalside reactivation

Work has started to transform a swathe of land next to the Strand shopping centre into an events and leisure space that is due to open this summer. 

Designed by Nottingham-based Leonard Design Architects, the project features a multipurpose venue that will sit alongside the Leeds Liverpool Canal off Washington Parade in Bootle town centre.  

Under the proposals, the venue would include a food and drink offer, events spaces, and an urban garden.

The project aims to bring new activity to the underused land, “stimulating the local economy and transforming the look and feel of the town for residents, businesses and visitors”, the council said. 

Bootle Canalside 2

The plans feature a food and drink offer and an urban garden

The project forms the first part of the wider transformation of Bootle town centre that includes the redevelopment of the 400,000 sq ft Strand shopping centre, which the council bought for £32.5m in 2017. 

Plans to revamp the mall have been pushed back due to Covid-19, as revealed by Place North West last month.  

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.  

“Getting our town centres and high streets back on the up and making them somewhere local people can be proud of again has been one of my priorities.” 

Sefton Council is planning to produce an Area Action Plan for Bootle that will set out a vision for the town, identifying the locations in the town where investment is needed. A public consultation on the proposals will launch later this year.

Cllr Ian Maher, leader of Sefton Council, said: “We want to use the redevelopment and improvement of the Strand to help transform the town into a better, healthier place for residents and visitors.

“We are proudly and passionately committed to Bootle and are looking forward to engaging with local people and stakeholders in a conversation about the future of their town.”

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Steve Rotheram seems to be getting his act together and pulling strings across all 6 boroughs of the Liverpool City Region, he is supporting smallish projects like this and big initiatives like Glass Futures in St Helens, he has plans to develop cross region transport into a London type metro.

By Anonymous

If memory serves, this site used to be what is known delicately as a waste transfer station. What I think it was, was where the “night soil” from Liverpool was brought, prior to it going onto the land of West Lancs, resulting in excellent soil for growing spuds.

By Cornelius Snaylam

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