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.
A much needed boost for Bootle,taking advantage of one of it’s better assets ie the canal. People have already shown with recent leisure events that they will assemble in numbers if the entertainment is up to scratch. Along with some intelligent landscaping and mix of old and new buildings brighter days should be ahead.
By Anonymous
Believe it when I see it.
By Barnz
Will any roles be filled by local tradespeople
By Anonymous
Another great northern money trick, the disappearance of our culture, land and facilities, in exchange for overpriced food , bars and a bit of seasonal old has been music.
All for progression , but this is blatant gentrified theft.
Shame on you Mr Dowd and Sefton council decision makers , enjoy
By Anon
Bootle, St Helens and Birkenhead politicians are making the Duke of Westminster more millions of pounds.
Liverpool shopping centre from Lord Street to Bold Street are seeing many new investors opening all types of new business.
Hurrah Hurrah Hurrah for the demolition of the the other town centres by such idiots known as local councillors…..
Thanks again for promoting Liverpool town centre business.
By Anonymous
Are they still harping on about this?!
Thought they’d already done it. Zzzzzz
By Anonymous
Development of parking provision and transportation to and from Everton’s new ground should be a serious consideration.
By DG
Will we still have shops there please?
By Anonymous
Bootle has numerous advantages, not least of which are two metro stations that connect it to more prosperous places such as Crosby. Its immediate demography is economically pressed, however, and the big challenge here is this: will Crosby folk shop there if they provide a more upmarket canalside offer (street food stalls and the like)? Risky, because a few more stops down the line is Liverpool city centre, with a far more tempting offer. So do they adopt a more cautious approach, seeking brands and operators more in tune with Bootle’s existing demographic? Do that and you run the risk of simply reinforcing Bootle’s Poundshop image. A tricky one.
By More Anonymous than the others
Doing a hell of a lot with a lousy £20m
By Dogger
So much going on in Liverpool at the moment
By Anonymous
Another hair brained scheme like Bootle GC driving range. A sheer waste of rate payers money.
By Anonymous
Looks very underwhelming to me. Needs much greater density if they want a vibrant and thriving area.
By Chris