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Regeneration

Sefton Council’s ÂŁ14.5 million Levelling Up Fund bid will kick-start Bootle’s post-COVID recovery

24 June 2021
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Bootle Strand, Front Page, Latest News, Regeneration, Uncategorized

Sefton Council has submitted a £14.5 million bid to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund that will help kick-start Bootle’s economic recovery.

Proposals in the bid will transform the hard-hit town’s night-time economy and include plans for the North of England’s first ‘Flying Theatre’.

Bootle is one of the towns in the UK hit hardest by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Council has submitted a bid based on a two-stage plan to establish the Bootle Canalside site as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

‘Bootle Canalside’

Stage One will see the completion of ‘Bootle Canalside’, a multi-functional events, entertainment, food and drink space. Bootle Canalside has been designed to kick-start new energy and optimism in Bootle, attract more visitors to the town, increase footfall on the High Street and create new jobs in the area.

Located on a once-derelict site alongside the Leeds-Liverpool canal, it will include an urban garden, food and drink offer, leisure uses and events space. It will be a vibrant recreation and leisure area that makes full use of its fantastic setting and brings a new element to Bootle’s local economy.

Stage Two will see the construction and launch of a new, hi-tech digital and Virtual Reality (VR) venue hosting a unique visitor attraction and providing places for technology enhanced ‘competitive socialising.’

Bootle’s “Flying Theatre” will use a robotic hydraulic platform to create the feeling of flight and will enable visitors to take an exhilarating airborne tour showcasing the geographic and cultural beauty and diversity of the British Isles.

Time-travel

A VR Time-Travel Tunnel will take visitors on a journey through the ‘History of Bootle and Liverpool’, including an experience of the Blitz with audio and visuals adding to this immersive and educational experience.

Additionally, the funding would be used to maximise the potential of Bootle’s proximity to Liverpool and the new Everton stadium development at Bramley Moore Dock, with Everton FC supportive of the Council’s bid. Working with the Canals and Rivers Trust, there are plans to improve the tow-paths and the navigability of the canal all the way down to by Bramley Moore Dock, enabling a ‘blue-green’ highway between the new facilities in Bootle and the new stadium. This will include improved walk-ways, cycle-ways and ‘canal-taxi’ services.

 

Sefton Council Leader, Cllr Ian Maher said:
“Bootle is a proud, passionate and resilient place whose people have made many sacrifices during the pandemic on behalf of their communities, their families and friends and the Borough’s businesses.

“But as one of the country’s towns hardest hit by COVID Bootle and its people now need support from the Levelling Up Funding, and we look forward to starting a conversation with Government about investing in the town.”

 

Bootle MP Peter Dowd said:
“I would like to commend the submission prepared for Bootle.

“This submission comes with support from a wide range of local stakeholders who passionately believe that this bid could potentially have a significant and transformational impact on the prospects for Bootle , its residents and local communities, and help drive the much needed change this area deserves to help bring it level with the rest of the UK and contribute positively to the regional economy.”

 

Steve Rotherham, Metro Mayor, Liverpool City Region said:

“I am excited by the opportunities arising from this project. Not only will it provide an immediate boost to the local economy through job creation, but it will act as a catalyst for wider investment.

“Bootle lies adjacent to key investment opportunities including Liverpool Waters and Bramley Moore Dock Everton Stadium, as well as being only 10 minutes by train from Liverpool City Centre.  The town is undergoing economic change but has strong fundamentals to enable it to revitalise its offer and thus benefit its community.”

 

Sefton is eligible to submit up to three bids to the ÂŁ4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund, which has been established to invest in projects focused on town centre and high street regeneration, local transport, cultural and heritage schemes. A second bid based on Crosby has also been submitted.

 

Cllr Maher added:

“Our Levelling Up Fund bid contains innovative opportunities to bring jobs, investment and recovery to parts of our Borough that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“Community remains at the heart of our plans for regeneration and we want to attract people to our town centres as well as improving them for the people who live there.

“The projects that will be submitted as part of our bid for funding are varied, ambitious and will shine a light on what Bootle and Crosby have to offer, bringing much needed footfall and focus to our town centres.”

 

 

Sefton Council asked to approve funding bids for Crosby and Bootle regeneration

19 May 2021
Bridie Finnan
No comments
Categories: Bootle Strand, Front Page, Latest News, Regeneration

Sefton Council are being asked to approve bids of up to £20m each for projects across Sefton as part of the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

 

If successful, the funding will help boost the regeneration and recovery in parts of the borough that have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing jobs and investment to areas that have received less government investment in recent years.

 

Projects to be submitted as part of the bid will support the ongoing regeneration and recovery as part of the wider transformation of Bootle, including the Bootle Area Action Plan and the wider regeneration of Bootle town centre.

The proposed bid for Bootle will include exploration of new visitor attraction in the town centre. A ‘Flying Cinema’ would be a unique and complementary part of the region’s visitor offer and will help diversify use and increase town centre footfall.

This interactive and immersive experience would complement plans already in place at Bootle Canalside for a food, drink and events space. Although work continues to progress the bid in advance of the submission date, such a leisure attraction could include a unique “Fly Over Britain” experience, along with immersive shows focused on the history of Bootle and the region.

 

Additionally, Everton Football Club are supportive of the Levelling Up Funding bid, given the site’s proximity to the new stadium location at Bramley Moore Dock, transport commitments made through the planning process to connect Bootle Town Centre, the proposed stadium development, and mutually beneficial community and regeneration opportunities for canalside and towpath links between the stadium site and Bootle Town Centre.

 

If Cabinet approval is granted at next Thursday’s meeting, a bid will also be submitted for funding to bring new uses into Crosby village, broadening the community services on offer, attracting investment and increasing footfall within the town centre.

 

Plans include a community hub centred around a new library, community healthcare services, a public cafĂŠ and new residential accommodation in the heart of the village centre.

This new state of the art facility will be perfectly placed to help create a vibrant new community hub which will serve local residents for many years to come in a modern energy efficient, attractive, landmark multi-purpose building. This will encourage significant numbers of local residents and visitors in to the town centre supporting the wider objectives of covid recovery and long term economic stability.

The development will involve significant improvements to town centre access arrangements and also bring with it improvements to public realm creating safer and more attractive gateways into Crosby centre particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

 

Following submission of the Heads of Terms for the Southport Town Deal, options for a Southport bid will also be reviewed, exploring opportunities complementary to the exciting projects being progress via the Town Deal.

 

All bids will be community focused, drawing from local community consultation and engagement in the coming weeks and months, in particular from young people, schools and colleges.

 

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said:

“There are some fantastic opportunities for our communities as part of the Levelling Up Fund to bring jobs, investment and recovery to parts of our borough that have been hit hard by the pandemic.

“I am pleased that community remains at the heart of our plans for regeneration; we want to attract people to our town centres as well as improving them for the people who live there.

“The projects that will be submitted as part of our bid for funding are varied, ambitious and will shine a light on what Bootle and Crosby have to offer, bringing much needed footfall and focus to our town centres.”

 

Sefton is eligible to submit up to three bids to the ÂŁ4.8billion fund, to be invested in local projects focused on town centre and high street regeneration, local transport, cultural and heritage projects.

The first bids would be submitted by 18th June 2021, with the timescales and criteria for future bidding rounds to be announced.

 

 /ends

Sefton Council looking forward to welcoming people back to refurbished fitness facilities

24 March 2021
Charlene Smith
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Categories: Business and Economy, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Health, Latest News, Regeneration, Sefton Council, Sefton Stories, The Atkinson, Uncategorized, Your Sefton
Representatives visiting site including MP Peter Dowd, Cllr Paul Cummins and Cllr Marion Atkinson

Sefton Council is looking forward to welcoming people back to refurbished fitness facilities at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre on Monday 12th April, as lockdown measures are eased.

Work carried out during lockdown means that users will be able to enjoy a brand-new fitness and spin studio, an updated fitness suite and refurbished changing rooms with new toilets. There is also a brand-new reception and social area, a new fitness class waiting area and new meeting rooms.

Cllr Ian Moncur Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing said

“I’d like to thank our staff who have been working hard behind the scenes while the gym has been closed due to the pandemic. It has really paid off as I’m sure our members will enjoy an even better experience when they return.”

“The gym and lake will re-open on Monday 12th April and new members can book an induction from Tuesday 6th April. Fitness classes will commence on Monday 17th May.”

At the site visit, Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, said:

“These improvements are part of a ÂŁ3.1 million scheme to transform the whole of Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, which is at the entrance to the beautiful Crosby Coastal Park and adjacent to Anthony Gormley’s Another Place (the ‘iron men’).

“Construction has already begun on the project, which will see new and improved wedding, conference, hotel, dining and bar facilities.

“This transformation is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021 but in the meantime the leisure side of the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, including the gym and the water sports activities, will be open for business as usual throughout the work.”

MP for Bootle Peter Dowd said:

“It has been great to come on site and see how this amazing project is coming along and to get a glimpse of the new and improved leisure facilities first hand.

“As part of the original team who worked on the Lakeside when it opened in 2009, it is fantastic to see the Council still valuing the asset and making these improvements.

“Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre is an incredible asset and I am delighted that this investment has been made in order to improve the service for the local community and visitors.”

Also visiting the site Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Cllr Paul Cummins said:

“I am so pleased that such a significant investment has been put into this fantastic facility which can be enjoyed by people from our borough and beyond.

“The plans for this site are exciting and the development is already coming on leaps and bounds. I am fully confident that this leisure and hospitality offer will be a major benefit to Sefton’s visitor economy.”

Mike Macaulay, Director of Crossfield Construction, commented:

“We are delighted to have started construction on this flagship project.

“It gives us great pride to be entrusted with Sefton Council’s vision to revive the Coastal Park and the wider area.

“Many of our team grew up in Crosby so this project is very close to our hearts and we are committed to ensuring that our work here positively impacts the wider Sefton community.”

Transforming Bootle: ‘Area Action Plan’ sets out vision for town’s long-term future

9 March 2021
Charlene Smith
No comments
Categories: Bootle Strand, Business and Economy, Essential Sefton, Front Page, Latest News, Regeneration, Sefton Council, Sefton CVS, Sefton Stories

Transforming Bootle: ‘Area Action Plan’ sets out vision for town’s long-term future

 

Sefton Council is inviting the community to help shape ambitious plans that will ensure Bootle is a great place to work, live, shop and socialise.

 

To achieve this, the Council is planning to produce an ‘Area Action Plan’ which will set out a clear vision for the town. It will identify the locations in the town where investment is needed. It will also help to secure the homes that people need and want, good quality open spaces and facilities, as well as job opportunities.

 

The Area Action Plan will be rooted in the people, businesses and organisations of the town. It will be a plan for the future of Bootle created by its residents and other stakeholders. The aim of the plan is to stimulate further investment in the town, creating more opportunities for local people and businesses. Once adopted, it will form part of the Development Plan for Sefton alongside the Local Plan.

 

Everybody will have an opportunity to get involved in shaping the Area Action Plan and over the coming months Sefton Council will set out how they intend to engage with local people and when.

 

To help kick-start the wider regeneration of the town, Sefton Council has purchased the Strand Shopping Centre and recently secured some of the neighbouring sites. Last year the Council shared ambitious plans to bring the Strand back to life and in December 2020 work started on site to clear the land adjacent to the Strand and the Leeds Liverpool Canal. This work will open up a disused area around the Strand for new and imaginative interim uses, the first step in repurposing the Strand and opening it up its canal frontage. Further information will be shared on these new and exciting uses in the coming weeks. The future of the Strand will be integral to these conversations with local communities.

 

Councillor Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:

“We want to use the redevelopment and improvement of the Strand to help transform the town into a better, healthier place for residents and visitors.

 

“We are proudly and passionately committed to Bootle and are looking forward to engaging with local people and stakeholders in a conversation about the future of their town.

 

“We want to ensure that everybody has the chance to get involved in this exciting opportunity and we will be sharing more details soon.”

 

Further information about the Area Action Plan and details of how you can get involved will be shared in the coming months. To register your early interest to be part of this exciting opportunity please email BootleAAP@sefton.gov.uk

 

ENDS

Transforming Bootle: ‘Area Action Plan’ sets out vision for town’s long-term future

 

An artist’s impression of how the Bootle Strand area could look

Sefton Council is inviting the community to help shape ambitious plans that will ensure Bootle is a great place to work, live, shop and socialise.

To achieve this, the Council is planning to produce an ‘Area Action Plan’ which will set out a clear vision for the town. It will identify the locations in the town where investment is needed. It will also help to secure the homes that people need and want, good quality open spaces and facilities, as well as job opportunities.

The Area Action Plan will be rooted in the people, businesses and organisations of the town. It will be a plan for the future of Bootle created by its residents and other stakeholders. The aim of the plan is to stimulate further investment in the town, creating more opportunities for local people and businesses. Once adopted, it will form part of the Development Plan for Sefton alongside the Local Plan.

Everybody will have an opportunity to get involved in shaping the Area Action Plan and over the coming months Sefton Council will set out how they intend to engage with local people and when.

To help kick-start the wider regeneration of the town, Sefton Council has purchased the Strand Shopping Centre and recently secured some of the neighbouring sites. Last year the Council shared ambitious plans to bring the Strand back to life and in December 2020 work started on site to clear the land adjacent to the Strand and the Leeds Liverpool Canal. This work will open up a disused area around the Strand for new and imaginative interim uses, the first step in repurposing the Strand and opening it up its canal frontage. Further information will be shared on these new and exciting uses in the coming weeks. The future of the Strand will be integral to these conversations with local communities.

Councillor Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:

“We want to use the redevelopment and improvement of the Strand to help transform the town into a better, healthier place for residents and visitors.

“We are proudly and passionately committed to Bootle and are looking forward to engaging with local people and stakeholders in a conversation about the future of their town.

“We want to ensure that everybody has the chance to get involved in this exciting opportunity and we will be sharing more details soon.”

Further information about the Area Action Plan and details of how you can get involved will be shared in the coming months. To register your early interest to be part of this exciting opportunity please email BootleAAP@sefton.gov.uk

Demolition marks start of work to redevelop Bootle New Strand shopping centre

14 December 2020
Martin Driver
No comments
Categories: Bootle Strand, Front Page, Latest News, Regeneration

Work has now started on site to clear and make good the land adjacent to the Strand and the Leeds Liverpool Canal.

The work, which is funded with £1.65m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, is the first part of Sefton Council’s plans to invest in the improvement of the Bootle New Strand shopping centre and Bootle Town Centre.

This demolition will open up a disused area around the Strand for new and imaginative interim uses, which will signal the first step in repurposing Bootle Strand and opening it up its canal frontage, which the Council sees as a cornerstone of Bootle town centre’s regeneration and transformation.

Demolition works begin near Bootle New Strand shopping centre as diggers can be seen taking down parts of a building

Sefton Council and its partners are looking for some short-term improvements that can help the Strand, and Bootle, get ahead of the competition in recovery following the severe impacts of COVID-19.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “While we are working on what the long-term plans are for Bootle and the Strand, we’re looking at bringing in interim uses to the areas in and around the Strand.  By bringing new and vibrant activity to places that are currently unused the Council can help to stimulate the local economy, transform the look and feel of the town for residents, businesses and visitors and improve the quality of life for local people.

“Work has begun on demolishing some of the existing buildings so we can make the land ready for these interim uses, and we’ve already started engaging with local people and other stakeholders, including local businesses, on how the space could be used, including the Bootle Festival of Ideas.

“The Council plans to do lots more consultation and engagement work over the coming months and years (especially as we start to look ahead to the medium and long term plans) with a wide range of stakeholders from regular users of The Strand, existing tenants, local residents, the wider community and other interest groups within the town centre – all of whom have a role to play and an interest in the future of Bootle town centre.”

Among the ideas that have been suggested for consideration are food and beverage venues, ‘pop-up’ markets, artists’ studios and craft workshops and screenings and performance spaces are among these interim proposals. Education and training facilities and a community hub, exercise and sports spaces, that could include a cycle hub and possible gardens or even an urban beach have also been put forward for discussion. The first of these, it is hoped, will be in place for Summer 2021.

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.

Cllr Maher continued: “These plans will transform the space in the short term while we continue to develop our ambitious, long-term plans for Bootle, which include attracting new private sector investment to create a town centre that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.”

“Research has shown that Bootle is proving to be one of the towns in the UK hardest-hit by COVID-19, so positive news such as this about our plans for the Strand and Bootle Town Centre is welcome. With its excellent communication links to Liverpool and the emerging EFC Stadium and North Liverpool development, the time is right to look at a more sustainable future for Bootle Strand so it can contribute positively to support the regeneration and transformation aims for the town.”

The Combined Authority funding for the project comes from the Local Growth Fund, which is awarded to the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and invested through the Combined Authority’s Strategic Investment Fund.

Speaking about the project, Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Since I was elected, I have made it a priority to get our town centres on the up again and I know it is even more important to our communities 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. This work should help kickstart that, by freeing up space for vibrant and innovative new projects.

“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. The Council has some really exciting plans that should help make Bootle Town Centre thrive.”

Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP, said: “Transforming unused spaces so that they can better benefit their communities is a key part of our work to level up towns across the country.

“I’m proud that we’re supporting the redevelopment of Bootle New Strand Shopping Centre with a ÂŁ1.65 million Local Growth Fund investment.

“Exciting plans are in the pipeline for the unused area around the Strand, which will help support the local economy, brining opportunities and jobs to the community.”

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