Sefton progresses Bootle leisure scheme

Consent has been granted for Bootle Canalside, a food, drink and events space by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Approval for the Sefton Council project follows refusal in February for a proposal put forward by social enterprise Safe Regeneration for a six-acre scheme that included leisure space, an arts hub and housing.

The site earmarked for Bootle Canalside will host a pop-up event over the August bank holiday as a test event and an opportunity to gather further feedback on what people want from the venue.

The council said that once completed, the scheme will include an urban garden, food and drink, leisure uses and events spaces.

Nottingham-based Leonard Design Architects has put the proposals together for Bootle Canalside, which will sit off Washington Parade.

The Canalside project sits alongside work to repurpose the Strand shopping centre – now owned by the council – and a £14.5m bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund for a flying theatre, a digital and Virtual Reality venue based around “competitive socialising”.

Cllr Ian Maher, leader of Sefton Council, said: “We are proudly and passionately committed to the regeneration of Bootle which has been hit hard by the pandemic and has too often been overlooked.

“Our plans for transformation will contribute positively to the local and regional economy through job creation and act as a catalyst for wider investment, bringing interest and much-needed focus to an area of our borough that is filled with opportunities.

“I am pleased with our progress so far as we continue on the road to regenerating one of our much-loved town centres, the granting of planning permission for Bootle Canalside brings a key project one step closer and I know exciting times lie ahead for Bootle.”

An urban garden, events space and food and drink will be included. Credit: Leonard Design Architects