Major milestone in Bootle Strand transformation with completion of demolition along the Palatine
The Bootle Strand demolition site(Image: EFP Drone Footage)
New photographs have detailed the progress of demolition works at Bootle Strand and show how the historic shopping centre has already been transformed. Work to partially demolish Bootle Strand has been ongoing since June and Sefton Council said it is progressing well.
The council has now confirmed the demolition works along the Palatine have been completed. It means the last remnants of The Mayflower pub and the Palatine maisonettes have completely disappeared.
It represents a bittersweet moment for the local community, as The Mayflower pub served generations of people. It was located to the side of Bootle Strand Shopping Centre, its brown brick and pebble dash exterior frozen in time.
Sadly, no more memories will be made in The Mayflower, as it closed its doors for the last time in 2024 and has now been torn down.
The Bootle Strand demolition site(Image: EFP Drone Footage)
The local authority said this marks a “key step forward” in Phase One of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Bootle Strand shopping centre, which aims to reshape the town centre into a more ‘accessible, inclusive and dynamic destination’ for residents, businesses and visitors.
It is positive news for the local authority who took on the ownership of The Strand back in 2019 with the hope of kickstarting a wider regeneration project. The purchase was secured for £32.5m using a money from a loan from the Public Works Loan Board, which is run on behalf of the treasury.
The Palatine Mall Atrium was fully removed in July and now the rest of the designated buildings along the Palatine have been demolished, including the maisonettes. These works will coincide with the removal of the old roof coverings from the Mons Square Canopy.
The Liverpool ECHO reported in July that construction work began earlier this spring and has successfully cleared approximately 40,000 square feet – 9% of the existing site – to make way for a new public square and modern spaces that council officials said will reshape Bootle town centre for generations to come.
Bootle Strand demolition site where The Mayflower pub and Palatine Maisonettes used to be(Image: EFP Drone Footage)
VINCI Construction UK is leading the demolition work, which is expected to continue into December. In addition to creating new spaces, the project has already generated apprenticeship and training opportunities for local people and is helping to create new pathways into work through Sefton@Work.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, skills and employment, said: “The completion of demolition along the Palatine is a clear sign of progress of the project.
“This is about creating a town centre that reflects the aspirations of our community, supports local businesses and provides opportunities for generations to come. It is great to see the project progressing.”