The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority finalised a £7.1 million investment from its Strategic Investment Fund in September 2025 to unlock the first major phase of work at the Strand shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside. Main construction works began in early 2026.
This funding sits alongside £20 million of government capital funding and further investment from Sefton Council to support the first stage of the transformation. The works include relocating existing tenants, partial demolition to create a new public square (Mons Square), and preparatory and enabling works required for Phase 1.
The former Marks & Spencer building will be refurbished by main contractor VINCI (Vinci Construction) and repurposed into multiple smaller units for independent traders and community uses, with provision for health and education services. Officials say these changes are intended to encourage local businesses and bring more visitors back to the heart of the town centre.
Sefton Council and project partners expect the first phase of the transformation to be completed by spring 2027.
