Major expansion for Boots at Clayton Square

BOOTS is nearly doubling the size of its Clayton Square store in Liverpool as part of major improvements at the shopping centre.

It is spending an undisclosed seven-figure sum on remodelling the 180,000 sq ft Clayton Square where Boots will increase the size of its store from 38,000 sq ft to 60,000 sq ft.

Architect Benoy has drawn up the designs which will replace the two-floor mall with a triple height space. The internal escalators will be removed to provide clear views from Central Station to St John’s Shopping Centre. The Church Street Mall is to be closed, allowing three new units fronting Church Street to be created.

Infrared is spending £3m on St John’s to replace floors, ceilings and lighting, most of which has been unaltered for over 25 years. Last month the council, which rents the market space on a long lease, committed £2m to improvements.

The London-based investor bought the site from Land Securities in 2012 for £76.5m. Last year it spent £2.6m on upgrading the food court.

Director Chris Huxtable said: “We are delighted to have made so much progress since acquiring these two assets, with crucial components in delivery being the support we have received from Liverpool City Council and key occupiers.

“These centres sit in strategic locations in Liverpool city centre, and their regeneration will have a real impact on the city. We are looking forward to unveiling the completed works to shoppers.”