Bootle Strand could soon be linked by ‘waterway’ to Bramley Moore Dock, the proposed home of Everton FC’s new stadium.
The bold plans are part of a wider project aimed at regenerating Bootle, with the shopping centre and surrounding areas to become a “beautiful public space”.
Artist’s impressions of how the area could look show a sleek modern shopping area, with food, drink and leisure outlets, and outside seating, with a direct link to the canal.
Sefton Council’s Cabinet this morning approved £650,000 of Combined Authority funding for plans to clear and make good the land adjacent to the Strand and the adjacent Leeds Liverpool Canal.
The funding is in addition to £1million approved in December last year to enable the council to secure full site ownership and enable them to press ahead with regeneration proposals for the Strand and Stanley Road.
Sefton Council says there will be an emphasis on a distinct food and beverage offer next to the canal.
A partnering arrangement with the Canals and Rivers Trust would also integrate the site with the canal to enable it to be brought fully back into use – and provide a possible ‘waterway link’ to Bramley Moore Dock in advance of the proposed new Everton FC stadium.
The work is the first stage of plans to “re-animate” the town centre, which the local authority sees as a cornerstone of the town’s regeneration.
It will also contribute to the town’s recovery from the impacts of Covid-19.
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Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Since I was elected, I have highlighted the many and complex problems our town centres are facing with changing consumer habits.
“This is even more important in the light of the impact Coronavirus has had on them.
“We invested £1m in Bootle last December and are continuing to invest and work with Sefton Council to help see the area revitalised.
“Town centres are at the heart of our communities, providing a hub for people to meet, shop and socialise but sadly too many have seen better days. Sefton have some really exciting plans to breathe new life into the area and make Bootle town centre thrive.”
