Vinci picked for first phase of Bootle Strand regen 

Sefton Council’s cabinet will meet next week to sign off the contractor’s appointment to carry out a £20m package of works. 

Vinci Construction has been selected as the preferred bidder for the first phase of Bootle Strand’s regeneration, marking a major milestone for the long-awaited project. 

The regeneration of Bootle Strand, built in the 1960s, has been on the cards since Sefton Council acquired the shopping complex for £32.5m in 2017.  

The council has been criticised for the time it has taken to get the project off the ground, with some questioning the decision to buy the asset, which has significantly decreased in value in recent years.  

However, Sefton has repeatedly defended its decision to snap up the Strand, which anchors a 20-year regeneration vision for Bootle. 

Last year, the authority firmed up its plans for an initial phase of works, which Vinci has been selected to deliver. 

The Phase 1 Programme comprises four key elements: 

• The creation of new landscaped public realm alongside the canal that extends and enhances the initial meanwhile uses at Salt and Tar  
• The refurbishment of the former M&S unit and creation of six additional commercial units 
• The creation of landscaped public realm forming a new town square where the currently enclosed Mons Square is located 
• The repurposing of other vacant former retail space to provide  ‘shell and core’ space that will be flexible for a variety of uses and occupiers. 

Later phases will introduce new leisure, education, and health services, as well as public spaces and routes between Stanley Road, Salt and Tar, and Washington Parade.

Sefton Council has worked with Avison Young and K2 Architects to draw up its masterplan for Bootle Strand, which is being funded by £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.