Sefton Council continues to take significant steps forward in the transformation of Bootle town centre, as Cabinet prepares to receive an update on the Strand Shopping Centre regeneration programme at its meeting on Thursday 4th September 2025.

Phase 1 of the Strand Transformation Programme

The report outlines substantial progress on Phase 1 of the Strand Transformation Programme, which remains a cornerstone of the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2024–27. With demolition works having commenced in June 2025, the programme is now firmly underway and on schedule. The main construction phase is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in Spring 2027. This marks a key milestone in delivering the Council’s long-term vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive town centre. These works relate to phases 1 A-C, which include the refurbishment of the former Marks & Spencer building, and the creation of new public realm spaces including a new Mons Square. These phases will also improve connectivity between the centre and the canalside and will create new commercial retail and hospitality spaces.

Positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes of the project 

The work to date is already delivering significant positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes, and the report includes a comprehensive update on Social Value from the Council and Vinci Construction UK. This includes local employment opportunities (with every new vacancy on the project so far being filled by a local person via Sefton at Work), as well as maximising opportunity on the project for local businesses, and working closely with neighbours and communities to minimise short-term impacts and to make the most of long-term opportunities.

2025 sucess for Salt and Tar

The report also includes an update on the hugely successful Salt and Tar music weekender in August 2025, which brought 11,600 people to Bootle town centre. Fantastic performances from Billy Ocean, The Real Thing, The Ks, Sugababes, Ocean Colour Scene, Cast and more, all underpinned the strongly positive feedback received and demonstrate the positive year-on-year growth at the venue, which has established itself as an attractive venue for performers well ahead of schedule.

Salt and Tar on the move for 2026

The report also outlines further plans for Salt and Tar and the Strand. In respect of Salt and Tar, the brand and the programme will continue in 2026 but at alternative locations around Bootle during the construction period for phases 1 A-C (with the plan for 2027 to be determined). However, long-term ambition for Salt and Tar remains strong and keenly supported by community feedback. Work is underway on feasibility and design for this to be a 7,000-person capacity venue, utilising underused space within the Strand and also creating a high-quality food and drink offer alongside the canal. This offer, and the wider Strand offer, will also closely link with our work to maximise transport connectivity with the new Everton Football Club stadium, for which matchday shuttle buses are already proving incredibly popular.

Additional capital for the project 

The Council and the Liverpool City Region are also committing additional capital funding totalling more than £18m to the centre, for enabling and refurbishment works to the existing centre as part of the next phases of the programme, as well as essential maintenance to the existing buildings, and additional commercial spaces and opportunities.

Councillor Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:

“This report sets out an exciting vision for the future of Bootle and the next steps in transforming the Strand into a vibrant, modern town centre. Salt and Tar and the pace of progress on the first phases of the Strand programme have garnered regional and national interest in Bootle, and our works, including those supported by the funding proposed in this report, will help to maximise commercial interest and investment as well as delivering positive economic, social and environmental outcomes for Bootle and beyond.

“I am particularly passionate about maximising social value outcomes for children and young people, and this has been central to our procurement and contracting activity. It is therefore pleasing to be able to report on significant early progress and outcomes already in this regard, and we will continue to do so throughout all phases of the programme. With our significant progress at the Strand and Salt and Tar, alongside the Area Action Plan, the New Towns opportunity, and the forthcoming Trailblazer Neighbourhood programme, these are incredibly exciting times for Bootle.”

More information on the transformation

For more  updates on the Strand Transformation Programme, you can find out more here.