PROPCON GOES DOWN THE STRAND

Members of our Property & Construction network gathered at Hugh Baird College to learn more about Sefton Council’s exciting plans for the transformation of Bootle Strand.

The session was led by assistant director of economic growth and housing Stuart Barnes and lead architect Mark Davies from K2 Architects, alongside Stephen Cowperthwaite, managing director for Liverpool at Avison Young, and Rachael Hennigan, principal at Hugh Baird College. Mark outlined the history of the shopping centre and the need to adapt its size and shape in future, saying:

“The retail element of the Strand’s footprint has now become too large in relation to the level of demand. This reflects a similar story to many high streets up and down the UK, so it’s important that the future design of the centre allows it to be more flexible and adaptable towards other uses.”

Delegates were then shown outline plans for the scheme, which involves the demolition of some existing buildings within the core of the existing centre and its periphery, to make way for a new town square and landscaping work to better connect the shopping centre with Stanley Road, the existing Salt and Tar music venue site, as well as the canalside.

The planned changes will also see the introduction of more green spaces and community areas. Other changes include modifications and repurposing of the former M&S building that overlooks Stanley Road and the town square, with plans to repurpose the site into six individual units and a community space.

Stephen then provided an overview the vision for the scheme.

He said: “For the scheme to realise its original, agreed ambitions, it’s crucial that any decision made must fit within the vision as the project develops. It is also important to stress that the real measure of the project’s success will not be quantified in outputs, such as the size in sq ft, but the outcomes for the town and its community.”

Marc Barlow of Curtins then led a period of audience questions on behalf of the Future Impact Board, covering a range of topics from procurement and ESG to transport connectivity and live event spaces.

Stuart detailed how Sefton Council’s decision to purchase The Strand in 2017 has allowed it to have “full control of the development site”, and discussed how subsequent government funding of £20 million will help to bring forward significant improvements to the shopping centre, which is set to remain open to the public during all works.

He added: “The success of recent events at Salt & Tar, including a performance by Sir Tom Jones in the Summer, has shown us how engaged the local community can be, and has actually encouraged us to adapt our wider plans to further accommodate the live venue aspect of the scheme.”

Stuart also revealed how the council is using VR and AR technology to help the local community to preview what lies ahead.

A fundamental pillar of the scheme’s design is the provision of education facilities and the crucial role that Hugh Baird College can play. Rachael Hennigan said:

“As someone who grew up in Bootle myself, I have a clear ambition to help create a project that local people can be genuinely proud of and which can help them to achieve better lives and outcomes. That clearly includes our own students and I am committed to helping to enhance the opportunities available to them.”

A consistent message throughout the event was the importance of getting involved and spreading the word. Sefton Council is committed to making the Strand project a huge success for the people of the town, and this can only happen with the support of the wider professional community across the Liverpool City Region.

Paul Cherpeau, chief executive of Liverpool Chamber, said:

“The Bootle Strand development is an exciting and important opportunity to stimulate growth and deliver better outcomes for those living, working and investing in this crucial part of the Liverpool City Region.

“Through our Property & Construction network, we are able to convene businesses, education and the public sector in the promotion and understanding of strategically important developments and we look forward to continuing our work with a wide range of partners throughout 2025.”

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Key requirement

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Brexit

There has been much debate around both the political and economic impact of Brexit. Changes to the tonnage tax regime following Brexit have all been positive though, and aim to boost the UK’s maritime sector, by reducing administrative burdens and making it easier for shipping companies to operate. Before Brexit, ships had to be registered under an EU or EEA flag to qualify for the tonnage tax. Post Brexit, this requirement was lifted, allowing ships under the UK regime to qualify without needing an EU or EEA flag. This is a significant change.

Other positive changes include:

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