Washington Parade in Bootle has been transformed into a striking open-air art gallery showcasing the town’s creativity, ambition and bright future.
Ten new large-scale artworks have been installed along Washington Parade, one of the main routes through Bootle, creating a vibrant cultural trail linking Bootle Strand Train Station to Salt and Tar.
Inspired by Bootle’s bid to become UK Town of Culture, the project brings together the work of talented artists and designers who have created bold pieces that celebrate the town’s identity while reflecting its ongoing transformation into a thriving cultural and creative destination.
Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative forms part of the wider regeneration taking place across Bootle. The new art installations complement major investment projects including the redevelopment of Salt and Tar and ongoing improvement works at Bootle Strand Shopping Centre, helping to create a brighter, more welcoming town centre for residents, workers and visitors.
The gallery has been designed to bring colour, creativity and energy to one of Bootle’s busiest streets, enhancing the environment and encouraging people to explore the town centre while supporting local businesses and community spaces.
Five artists have contributed to the project: Heather Almond, Timea Balo, Cherie Grist, Jay Stockley and Sam Wiehl. Their work has been installed at prominent locations made available through a partnership involving SPEN, Merseytravel, Revive Church and Sefton Council.
This builds on the continued progress of Bootle’s journey as a town of culture, further demonstrated in 2026 through Salt and Tar. Recent research from the Salt and Tar Music Festival 2026 Evaluation Report highlights the growing impact culture is having on Bootle’s economy and reputation.
The festival attracted approximately 15,000 people to Bootle across five days, with 83.3% visiting Salt and Tar for the first time and a third making their first-ever visit to Bootle. More than three-quarters of attendees said the event improved their perception of the town, while nearly 80% said they would recommend Bootle to friends and family.
The report also found that cultural events are delivering significant economic benefits. Salt and Tar generated an estimated £1.61 million economic impact, with visitors spending money both at the festival and in local businesses throughout Bootle. For every £1 invested, almost £6 of economic value was created.
The festival also increased footfall across the town, driving higher car park use, additional rail journeys and increased trade for local businesses, demonstrating how investment in culture is helping to support regeneration and strengthen the local economy.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council said:
“Bootle is a town of culture, undergoing an exciting transformation, and this project is another visible sign of the positive change taking place across the town.
“These striking artworks help brighten up one of our main routes through the town centre while celebrating Bootle’s creativity, heritage and ambitions for the future.
“We know culture is making a real difference to Bootle. Recent figures from Salt and Tar show that cultural events are attracting thousands of people to the town, generating significant economic benefits for local businesses and changing perceptions of Bootle for the better.
“Alongside major projects such as the continued development of Salt and Tar and the ongoing improvements at Bootle Strand, this gallery shows how culture and creativity can play a key role in making Bootle an even better place to live, work, shop and visit.”
The open-air gallery is expected to form a key part of Bootle’s growing cultural offer, supporting the town’s ambitions to attract visitors, encourage investment and create a stronger sense of pride in place.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take a walk along Washington Parade and discover the artworks for themselves, experiencing first-hand how creativity is helping to shape the next chapter in Bootle’s regeneration journey.
Sefton Council is working with partners on exciting plans for Salt and Tar in 2027 and beyond, with updates to be published in the coming months.
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