Sefton publishes plans for former Strand M&S
The local authority has filed an application to reconfigure the old department store in Bootle into six smaller units and a larger community and exhibition space.
A large-scale reboot of the Bootle Strand shopping centre has been in the works for years, with Sefton Council acquiring the site in 2017 in £32.5m. The project has received £20m from central government and is expected to receive an additional £18m through an agreement between Sefton Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The goal is to turn the tired retail complex into a mixed-use space with ample leisure, entertainment, and office spaces. A health and social care facility is also in the masterplan – as is improved public realm.
Demolition of a largely vacant part of the shopping centre as well as empty homes nearby is set to begin in early 2025. This will help enable future phases.
The Mons Canopy will be retained but get new cladding. Credit: via planning documents
The recently submitted application focuses on the the first phase of the project, which zeroes in on the 28,500 sq ft former M&S unit at the Strand. Vinci Construction is already attached as the main contractor for this initial phase.
Designs by architect K2 break down the space into six retail units of between 1,000 sq ft and 1,600 sq ft in size, as well as a 14,300 sq ft community space and 5,300 sq ft exhibition area.
Building on consultation feedback, the revised space will be fully accessible.
The canopy at Mons Square is also being retained but will get a modern cladding facelift.
The restructuring of the former M&S is just one part of the council’s plans for The Strand. Credit: via planning documents
“We are excited about our ambitious plans for the town, and it is great to see that this is reflected by our residents, business owners, and visitors,” said Cllr Paulette Lappin, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy, and skills.
“As we move forward with the project, we will continue to listen to the thoughts and ideas from everyone who has an interest in Bootle. I would like to encourage everyone to continue to share their ideas with us and to take part in future engagement events.”
Avison Young is the planner for the scheme, with OPEN leading on the landscape improvements. The project team also includes WSP, Savills, Lord Consultants, Summers-Inman, New River REIT, and Counter Context.
To see the application, search reference number DC/2024/01890 on Sefton Council’s planning portal.
Plans look great.
By John F
This has got to go for quality in terms of design and execution. Otherwise, they’ll just be reconfiguring failure.
By Anonymous
A bold reimagining of a town centre by Sefton. Just needs Mayor Rotherham to come good on his promise to back the scheme financially.
By Anonymous
Please make sure there are plenty of seating as many people like myself have disabilities, Also the ability to phone ahead and ask for the use of a disability scooter.
By Ian Hay
Where will all the drunks go from the front of the Strand will they have their own space to drink ??
By Anonymous
Looks nice .would be good with roof to stop people walking in water into shops when it’s raining.
By Chris
As a former Bootle boy who watched the The Strand being built in the 60s I’m delighted to see progress here. The “New” Strand and Bootle really were leading the way at that time. I’ve been to Salt and Tar and opening up the canal for leisure in this way is exactly what’s needed. I think the Council is right to include digital and small business space too. Why not have a digital centre modelled on the Baltic and what’s also happening in Southport. The northern end of The Strand is still busy and serving community needs. A vital piece of Liverpool’s north end, get it right and it should fly!
By Paul Blackburne
About time
By Bernard Blackmore
Sefton council spending money in bootle again when Southport doesn’t get a look in
By Anonymous
Let’s hope you do something with Stanley Road and Linacre Road. Which are a disgrace have not been touched in many a year.
By Pam Shea
What a waste of tax payers money
By Anonymous
What a waste of space putting something like this there, there’s plenty of community spaces around bootle we don’t need more.
A primark jn the place of m&s would make the town more popular and busy.
By Anonymous
What exactly is a ‘Community space’ ?
By Anonymous
What this town needs is shops for growth, stability and bring employment for the area. Bring back Mark’s & Spencer’s, especially the food hall .Primark would create jobs for all age groups. Not loads of coffee shops for the unemployed .
By S Roach
Brilliant news for bootle
By Yvonne
I just hope the money invested in this remodel attracts the retail businesses- the Strand at the moment is quite sad with the empty retail spaces
By Jay Bee
Sefton the knock down specialist
By Anonymous
These repeated comments about “tax payers money” being “wasted”; an old Tory trope; it is capital, perhaps a loan, being invested to create a commercial hub which then generates more new income revenue for the city council. It will pay for itself.
By Anonymous