Millions of pounds and big plans are set to transform one part of Merseyside in 2026, according to its council leader, while explaining the progress made in 2025 and looking ahead to the next 12 months.

Over the last year, ground has been broken on the redevelopment of Bootle Strand, huge international artists played at Salt and Tar, and proposals put forward to make the town the official home to Everton’s match-goers. Sefton Council said the reimagining of the iconic shopping centre will revitalise the area and mark its next chapter.

Bootle town centre is subject to a major regeneration project, with work now underway to demolish parts of the Strand, as well as other planned improvements. The council also hopes to make Bootle into a destination people will want to visit, and are looking to expand its hospitality and night-time economy.

Last year’s opening of the Salt and Tar events venue was the unofficial launch of that vision, and attracted thousands of people to the town to watch music icons such as Tom Jones and Billy Ocean. The council wants to build on that success and is looking to forge transportation and cultural links with Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and create a fan-friendly atmosphere in Bootle.

Sefton Council Leader Marion Atkinson said: “We have also secured support through the Trailblazer Fund for the long-term regeneration of the Bootle Strand and the surrounding area, including the Salt and Tar venue. Around 10,000 people visited the four-day, 2025, Salt and Tar Music Weekender, which over £980,000 for the area.

“Bootle’s Salt and Tar will be holding another year of events including a Music Weekender in August that will feature Nile Rodgers and CHIC, The Waterboys and the Saw Doctors.”

Details for the ‘Trailblazer Fund’ were announced in the chancellor’s spending review speech earlier this year, in which Rachel Reeves made a commitment for “additional funding” to support 350 communities, particularly those in the most deprived areas.

As part of this process, the government named 25 ‘trailblazer neighbourhoods’ that will receive £20m, allowing local authorities to invest resources into improving parks, youth facilities, swimming pools and libraries, as well as supporting councils to fight back against fly tipping.

Sefton Council confirmed that Bootle is one of the areas which will benefit and said it will use the funding to create a ‘thriving town centre’ that works for all people and builds a ‘happier, healthier, more resilient population’.

In an address published via Sefton Council’s website, Cllr Atkinson added: “We want to thank all the amazing individuals and groups who have given their time to work with us on a vast range of schemes.

“And a big thank you once again to everyone who had donated so generously once again to the Mayor’s Toy Fund to provide gifts for children and young people across Sefton.

Adding: “Here’s to an exciting 2026 which sees us continuing to make Sefton a great place to live, work, do business and visit.”