Sefton’s £20M Strand update has mixed reviews. Some fear current neglect, others hope for better stores and a vibrant hub.
Some say the Strand is run down and attracts bad behavior. Sefton Council approved the project’s first phases in January. The Liverpool City Region supports the plan.
Government funding totals £20 million. The plan includes landscaping and a public square. The old M&S building will have a new use. The project’s first stage should finish in March 2026.
The area badly needs improvement. Many shops are boarded up, and the buildings look old. There are few options for fun.
One resident thinks the Strand is poorly managed today. He visited and was shocked at the arcade’s condition. He saw kids running wild, and security was on their phones.
Bikes sped by. Kids ran and screamed in the shops, which scared the staff. Floor tiles are broken everywhere and whole areas are unsafe. He sees no repairs in place and thinks it is a safety risk.
Many pigeons now live there, breeding in the rafters. They drop waste on people who are eating. The council should not ignore it, he thinks.
New development money does not excuse neglect. He says problems grew quickly. He supports the new development project but doesn’t want neglect of the rest of the center now.
He’s lived there for over 50 years and has seen the Strand decline. He wants planning that uses common sense. One day, a speaker announced to some lads to leave and asked them to take their bikes. Some shoppers found it funny. No bad behavior was visible.
One woman said the Strand is depressing, with fewer shoppers and businesses. She wants it to be redeveloped and hopes for better stores. Other Sefton shopping areas also feel dreary.
Others defend the Strand. One woman said she has no issues. Another said it could be much worse, explaining that some centers are in far worse shape than Bootle Strand.
Councillor Lappin said they value the feedback and want to improve the shopping experience. She stated the Strand is a vibrant community hub. Many people shop and use the center for services. The council wants to improve the Strand and they are excited about the £20 million investment. They encourage public support.