Whitfield & Brown is pleased to announce the award of a contract to deliver new public WC facilities at Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle, on behalf of Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council.
The project forms part of Sefton Council’s wider and long‑term commitment to the regeneration of Bootle town centre, following the Council’s purchase of the Strand Shopping Centre in 2017. This strategic investment reflects a clear ambition to ensure the Strand remains economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, while responding to changing patterns in how people use town centres.
Part of a Wider Vision for Bootle Town Centre
Like many high streets across the UK, Bootle has experienced significant change in recent years, driven by the growth of online retail, shifting consumer habits and the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic. In response, Sefton Council has set out a bold vision to reposition the Strand as a more outward‑facing, community‑focused destination that offers far more than traditional retail.
The Council’s plans for the Strand aim to:
- Improve health and wellbeing through better local provision of services
- Strengthen connections between the centre, the canal, the rail station and surrounding neighbourhoods
- Improve accessibility and sustainable connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors
- Promote social inclusion and reflect the strong values of the Bootle community
- Create a strong and positive town‑centre identity
- Expand the evening, leisure and cultural economy
- Maximise public‑sector investment and attract private‑sector partners
The redevelopment proposals include new and improved indoor and outdoor spaces, green areas, community facilities and a new town square, helping to create a more vibrant and welcoming environment throughout the day and into the evening.
Improving Facilities Within a Live Shopping Centre
The new public WC project will see three existing retail units transformed into high‑quality, permanent facilities, providing a long‑term solution to replace the temporary toilets currently in use as a result of earlier demolition works within the centre.
Once complete, the facilities will include:
- Male and female public WCs
- Fully accessible WCs
- A dedicated Changing Places facility
- A feeding room
- A multi‑faith space
Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the scheme will significantly enhance the experience for visitors, families and vulnerable users, supporting the Strand’s role as a welcoming public space at the heart of Bootle.
Importantly, the Strand will remain open to the public throughout the works, with a key focus on minimising disruption to businesses, customers and visitors while construction is underway.
Collaborative Delivery
Whitfield & Brown is looking forward to working closely with a strong consultant team to deliver the project safely and efficiently, including:
- Architect & Building Services Designer: AtkinsRealis
- Civil & Structural Engineer: Caulmert
- Fire Engineer: BB7
- Electrical Engineer: KGA
Delivering construction works in a live, high‑footfall environment requires careful planning, clear communication and a strong emphasis on public safety. These principles will be central to the project’s delivery from start to finish.
Supporting Community‑Focused Regeneration
Beyond the physical works, the project aligns with Sefton Council’s wider regeneration objectives by contributing to a more inclusive, accessible and community‑focused town centre. The improved facilities will support increased footfall, longer dwell times and a more positive experience for those living, working and visiting Bootle.
Looking Ahead
This contract award represents an important opportunity for Whitfield & Brown to support a high‑profile regeneration programme and to play a role in the ongoing transformation of Bootle town centre.
We look forward to working closely with Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, NewRiver and the wider project team as the scheme progresses and to sharing updates as works get underway on site.
