Buzz is back in Bootle and the town is looking forward to a brave new world

The buzz is certainly back in Bootle and it’s not just Tom Jones who is getting hearts racing.

The renovation of Bootle town center has been in the works for years, but there are signs that the work is starting to pay off. Since Sefton Council purchased The Strand in 2017, there has been much anticipation about the promised transformation of the area.

The redevelopment plans, the opening of the new Salt and Tar location and the impending (and partial) demolition of The Strand are all visible indicators aimed at bringing about change and progress.

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With the opening of a major new venue, the launch of Bootle International Festival and the upcoming demolition works, we visited Bootle town center to get an idea of ​​what the locals think about what’s happening, what they’re excited about and what concerns they have. .

Near the entrance arch to The Strand, a group of men are engaged in a friendly discussion. Among them are Joseph Condron and his stepson Jose, who visit the mall as they have done almost every day for more than two decades. Joseph calls it their “daily pilgrimage.”

Joe calls himself an ‘honor couser’ because he came to Liverpool 20 years ago after moving from his native Ireland. He has spent so much time in the city that he has developed a passable Scouse accent and has taken Liverpool to his heart.