Bootle
Bootle is a town in the Metropolitan borough of Sefton, Merseyside, four miles North of Liverpool. It is known for its proximity to six championship golf courses and Haydock Park Racecourse and has seen substantial regeneration in recent years.
The Economy
Bootle has seen a boom in property prices in recent years that has seen it placed 12th on a list of property hotspots. The local economy was boosted greatly in 2008 when Asda built an eco-friendly store on Strand Road.
Redevelopment
Bootle has seen several refurbishment and rebuilding projects carried out in the 2010s. These have included projects such as the new-look Strand Road, the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) buildings, the refurbishment of Oriel Road station, a new block of flats on the site of the Stella Maris building and a new Lidl store on Stanley Road.
The 415,000sq.ft Strand shopping centre offers over 100 retailers including High Street names like Boots, H Samuel, Specsavers, WH Smith and Superdrug and is seen as being one of the driving forces behind the ongoing resurgence of interest in the area.
A Bright Future
The town centre regeneration has seen the development of Bootle’s new image and employment continues to improve. Young professionals and families are now moving into the area following funds in the region of £600m being invested by the public and private sectors.
The regeneration project aims to bring a more diverse commercial quarter and retail quarter plus more housing. The acclaimed Hugh Baird college is working on an expansion, driving yet more interest towards the area. With a well-performing college and further investment in local business Bootle has left its former reputation behind in favour of a far brighter future.