Sefton rubberstamps Bootle Canalside regen

An open-air event and hospitality venue awaits the citizens of Bootle now that the council’s regeneration project has received additional funding and business case approval.

Situated alongside the Leeds Liverpool Canal and off of Washington Parade, the council’s Bootle Canalside scheme will turn 12 refurbished shipping containers into food and drink outlets. Another set of shipping containers will become site management facilities, toilets and bicycle storage.

Plans drawn up by Leonard Design Architects also call for an urban community garden.

Sefton Council approved spending £567,000 to help get the project over the finish line, with £2.1m having already been invested in buying the land and getting it ready for building works. The additional funds will go towards opening up the canal towpath and developing an events programme for the summer.

Up to 22 shipping containers will be refurbished for new uses in the scheme. Credit: via Sefton Council

“It is hugely positive that we are making a commitment to develop Level Up our communities and provide important new infrastructure which will kickstart the regeneration and reorientation of Bootle town centre,” said Sefton Council leader Ian Maher.

“On the back of the acquisition of the Strand and adjacent sites, we have an amazing opportunity to open up a substantial stretch of canal frontage, and the opportunities for community groups, events, and leisure activities are endless.”

Planning permission for the project was approved in August last year.