Words by: Stephen Cowperthwaite, Managing Director, Liverpool & UK Regions, Avison Young UK
North Liverpool is on the cusp of transformational change, driven by a string of new developments stretching from Liverpool Waters and the landmark Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock through to the regeneration taking place in Bootle. These schemes are catalysing a powerful new identity for the region – one that is community-centred and focused on long-term, sustainable growth.
A key element of the broader transformation is the reimagining of The Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle – a bold, strategic intervention with the power to anchor new investment and social value in the town. Planning permission has been secured and development is already underway to reimagine the town centre as a mixed-use destination. The new vision brings together retail space, cultural venues, and community infrastructure, creating a modern town centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of its people.
This is not regeneration for regeneration’s sake. It’s an ambitious, place-based strategy designed to embed inclusive economic growth and deliver a new era for North Liverpool.
Bootle Strand as a catalyst for wider regeneration
The Strand’s redevelopment marks more than just the transformation of a shopping centre – it is symbolic of a wider shift in how North Liverpool defines its future. The project sets a clear intention to establish a dynamic town centre with community, culture and sustainability at its core.
The plans include a flexible events space, cultural and performance venues, new public realm and enhanced pedestrian access, alongside a revitalised retail and hospitality offer. These elements will serve as both an anchor and a launchpad, making the space a destination in its own right and a focal point for investment. In no time at all, Salt & Tar has become a recognisable brand and has shown the vital role that culture can play in changing perceptions of a place.
Crucially, this development responds to the changing role of town centres post-pandemic. It acknowledges the need for multifunctional spaces that bring people together – to connect and collaborate. It also aligns with the government’s own growth ambitions, as well as the Liverpool City Region’s broader goal of creating thriving, resilient communities.
What sets The Strand apart is the strength of its underlying vision. It is a long-term, holistic approach to regeneration – one that puts people first and sees economic growth as inseparable from social outcomes. The Strand is not simply being repurposed, it’s being reimagined as a centre of gravity for Bootle and is set to deliver positive impact across the wider North Liverpool area.
A region on the rise
The regeneration of Bootle Strand is just one part of a much wider story of renewal. North Liverpool’s transformation is gaining momentum, with major projects and cultural assets driving change from the waterfront to the heart of Sefton.
At Bramley-Moore Dock, Everton’s new stadium is already delivering national profile and long-term economic potential. As a new waterfront landmark, it will draw visitors, investment and new opportunities to the area, cementing North Liverpool as a key player in the wider city’s future. Both Liverpool and Everton football clubs recognise the important role they can play in delivering real change for their communities.
Meanwhile, creative and cultural spaces are also flourishing. Salt and Tar is fast emerging as a vibrant cultural venue, injecting energy and life into Bootle’s creative scene and offering a new platform for events and local talent. Ten Streets Social continues to build on the legacy of Liverpool’s independent and artistic spirit, with spaces for collaboration, performance and innovation.
Together, these developments form a compelling investment narrative. They signal that North Liverpool is not only open for business but is actively designing a new kind of urban experience – one that balances heritage with innovation and community identity with commercial growth.
The pipeline of brownfield housing schemes across the area further underlines this opportunity. As well as Liverpool Waters, this includes Torus’s Hartley Locks development sitting alongside the listed Stanley Flight Canal Docks, an exemplar scheme that has breathed new life into the area. These projects are bringing high-quality homes to a strategically connected part of the city, offering residents sustainable living close to new employment, cultural space and leisure amenities.
North Liverpool’s existing infrastructure – including the Merseyrail network, canal and road connectivity – provides a strong platform for future expansion and liveability. This is why the case for New Town designation is so pertinent. It would formally recognise the transformation that is already underway and unlock greater strategic support for the region’s long-term growth. A New Town designation could accelerate funding, planning, and policy alignment, giving North Liverpool the tools it needs to scale its progress and attract further investment.
Unlocking the next chapter of inclusive growth
The regeneration of North Liverpool isn’t happening by accident. It is the result of long-term vision, partnership working, and a shared belief in the area’s potential. Local authorities, developers, investors, cultural partners and the community are coming together to deliver something bigger than any one project: a coherent, people-first transformation of place.
What makes this moment so powerful is the clarity of purpose behind it. The developments taking shape aren’t isolated interventions. They’re part of a connected, place-led strategy that recognises the unique strengths and opportunities of North Liverpool.
This part of the city has always had the ingredients for success – location, heritage, connectivity, and community spirit. Now, with the right investment and leadership, those ingredients are being brought together in ways that can deliver lasting economic, social, and environmental value.
North Liverpool is not waiting in the wings. It’s ready to lead. The case for North Liverpool’s next chapter – and its potential New Town status – has never been clearer.
