Demolition begins on part of 1960s shopping centre

Demolition works are scheduled to continue until December

The demolition of parts of a Merseyside 1960s shopping centre has begun.

Sections of The Strand in Bootle are being knocked down as part of a project to transform the complex.

The demolition marks the next step in the Bootle Strand Transformation Project and is part of a broader vision for the town centre.

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's cabinet member for regeneration, skills and employment said it was "a significant moment not just for Bootle, but for the whole of Sefton".

Sefton Council bought The Strand in Bootle seven years ago for £32.5m

"The Strand has played an important role in the lives of generations, and now we're laying the foundations for a future that reflects our community's aspirations," she said.

"Today's progress is the result of years of collaboration, local insight, and determination to secure a brighter future."

The Strand has been a central part of Bootle's identity and economy since it opened in 1968, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

It was purchased by Sefton Council seven years ago for £32.5m and the local authority laid out plans for a landmark regeneration project to secure its future.

Aerial view of Bootle Strand and Salt & Tar venue which opened in 2024

'Drive regeneration'

Plans were accelerated in March 2023 with the award of £20m as part of the government's Levelling Up fund alongside additional funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA).

Councillor Mike Wharton, LCRCA cabinet member for business, investment and trade, said the space was once underused, but was "now becoming a real community asset by supporting local culture, creating opportunities, and helping to drive regeneration in Bootle".

Phase one of the project will deliver public spaces, retail and leisure units, business accommodation, improved transport links, and community and cultural facilities, the council said.

On-site works are now under way, with demolition and initial site works scheduled to continue through to December 2025.