New plan to boost jobs and investment across Southport and Bootle

Sefton Council’s Cabinet is set to discuss the launch of two new frameworks this month that could transform Southport and Bootle.

If approved, the proposals will seek to reinvigorate the two towns to stimulate investment, boost tourism and create jobs in line with the feedback from the Imagine Sefton 2030 consultation and engagement.

Created by regeneration firm Nexus Planning with support from architects Broadway Malyan, the Southport Development Framework will reconnect the town’s beachfront with a revitalised Lord Street.

The plan focuses on both major development opportunities and complementary initiatives that will help bolster Southport’s existing assets and visitor offer, encouraging discussion between locals, business and potential investors.

Elsewhere, Sefton Council called on commercial property firm Lambert Smith Hampton to develop the Bootle Town Centre Investment Framework, which will now serve as the basis for discussions between the authority, the community, area businesses and investors regarding the vision for Bootle in 2030.

As with the Southport framework, the Bootle proposals will aim to harness the town’s existing assets, including its canal, the Strand shopping complex, Hugh Baird College and the proximity of Liverpool.

Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, Cllr Marion Atkinson, said: “Both reports are vitally important as a guide for future development in both Southport and Bootle.

“Firstly, they further demonstrate our commitment to aims of the Sefton 2030 Vision and the feedback we have received following the consultation and engagement process, specifically around jobs and an improved local economy.”

She continued: “Bootle and Southport are two completely unique towns within our borough with their own strengths and opportunities. We have commissioned two separate frameworks in order to ensure that these two towns have the best opportunity to develop and reach their potential.

“However, it is important that residents know this is not an overnight process and many of the proposals within the frameworks require large amounts of inward investment. Nevertheless, Sefton is a borough with fantastic assets and really is open for business.”

Peter Tooher, the executive director of Nexus Planning, commented: “Southport is a unique and classic seaside town that has real potential to build substantially on its brand – enhancing its profile and contribution to economic growth in the region, not least through the visitor economy.

“The Development Framework reflects the commitment of Sefton Council, Southport BID and other partners to work to realise long term ambitions through a coordinated approach to town centre management, unlocking sites, enhancing key heritage assets, improving the public realm and enhancing accessibility.”

The head of Lambert Smith Hampton’s North West planning and development consultancy, Adam Mirley, said: “There is a huge amount of potential in Bootle which isn’t being fully realised at the moment.

“There is a need for an improved retail and leisure offer and more modern commercial business space in the town.”

He added: “The framework that we have produced, will encourage private sector investment and provide a platform for growth and development for the future, and take advantage of existing assets such as Hugh Baird College and The Strand.”