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The demolition of parts of a 1960s shopping centre will start later in the spring.

Sections of The Strand in Bootle will be knocked down as part of a project to transform the complex.

The plans, which were given £20m government Levelling Up money, will see new leisure attractions added in among the shops.

The Strand will remain open to the public while work takes place.

The council bought the shopping centre for £32.5m in 2017 and laid out plans for a landmark regeneration project to "secure its future".

The redevelopment was described as "an ambitious and exciting project" by Councillor Christine Howard, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills.

Plans were accelerated in March 2023 with the award of the government funding, and permission to demolish parts of the shopping centre was granted in December 2023.

Sefton Council's cabinet has now confirmed Vinci Construction as the demolition contractor for phase one of the redevelopment and work is planned to start in spring.

"Once completed, a revitalised Strand will re-emerge as the heart of Bootle town centre," a Sefton Council spokesman said.

"It will host a vibrant mix of retail, leisure, education and health facilities, also providing new public spaces and enhanced access to the canal side."

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