Sefton Investment Centre opens its doors

BDP designed building spearheads regeneration in Bootle.

The Investment Centre, commissioned by South Sefton Development Trust launches for business this week. The building, won against strong competition, was designed by the Liverpool studio of BDP. The landmark five-story building based in Bootle town centre will provide much-needed managed workspace for small businesses, combined with on-site support from leading business experts.

BDP’s design of the Investment Centre incorporates a range of innovative ‘green’ technologies - it will be partially heated by geothermal energy, recycled rainwater will be used in the toilets and a natural effect BMS ventilation system will minimise the need for air conditioning.

The design also incorporates a landmark ‘drum’ which is the service core of the building. A new colonnaded walkway and publicly accessible café create a focal point to the south, while in contrast the western façade has a solid form addressing the car park aspect and prevailing cross winds and reducing the effect of solar gain.

The building will be managed by South Sefton Development Trust on behalf of Sefton Council and is being funded by the European Objective 1 programme, the council and the North West Development Agency. Income generated through the centre will be used to support regeneration initiatives throughout the area.

Cllr John Fairclough, Chair of the SSDT: "I believe the Investment Centre will be hugely important to the economy of Bootle and South Sefton.  It will help create jobs in the area by attracting new organisations to its high-quality office space and by nurturing small start-up businesses in the incubator units."

BDP were the architects and structural and building services engineers for the Centre. Terry Davenport, Project Director at BDP, said; “The South Sefton Investment Centre is an important building for Bootle and it was vital that the design reflected the Council’s forward thinking. BDP did the HMRI master plan and Peel Knowsley and Linacre Supplementary Planning Document and this building is just the start of the regeneration of this area. We’re looking forward to seeing the progression of the master plan over the next few years.”