Historic Bootle Industrial Site Reborn as £22m Housing Development
A significant chapter in Merseyside's industrial story has reached its conclusion, as a former global landmark in Bootle has been completely redeveloped into a modern housing estate. The site of the old Johnsons the Cleaners headquarters, once one of the world's largest dyeing and dry-cleaning operations, is now home to 104 new affordable homes in a transformative £22 million scheme.
From Industrial Powerhouse to Community Hub
The development, located off Stanley Road, marks a dramatic shift for a location steeped in Bootle's heritage. The Johnson Brothers business began in Liverpool in 1817 as a silk-dyeing enterprise, with its iconic Mildmay Road headquarters opening in 1910. Strategically built near Liverpool docks, the facility was renowned for cleaning the grand drapes from the first-class lounges of the city's transatlantic liners.
Following the sale of its dry-cleaning arm by parent company Johnson Service Group (JSG) to Timpson in 2017 for £8.25 million, the site's future was secured. After land remediation in 2007 and a subsequent purchase by Ascot in 2017, Sefton Council approved planning permission for its redevelopment.
A Major Investment in Affordable Housing
In August 2024, housing provider Plus Dane acquired the five-acre site, announcing ambitious plans to build a mixture of family homes and apartments. Work commenced swiftly, beginning with the demolition of the old industrial building and progressing to the first phase of 67 homes. The full development will deliver 104 properties in total.
The housing mix is specifically designed to address local needs:
- 84 homes will be available for social rent
- 20 homes will be marketed for shared ownership
This allocation directly supports Sefton Council's borough-wide housing strategy, which prioritises increasing affordable housing stock and delivering quality new developments.
Overcoming Challenges to Build a New Community
Ian Reed, Chief Executive of Plus Dane, acknowledged the project's significance and its initial hurdles. "The Johnsons site is a really important and exciting development for us, for Bootle and for the city region," he stated. "Our partner United Living is building more than 100 much needed homes for us, which we know are in high demand in the area."
Reed noted that, as with many large-scale developments, challenges arose, particularly during the demolition of the historic Johnsons building, causing some early delays. However, significant progress is now visible, with the first homes topped out and the estate taking shape. The first completions are anticipated from late summer onwards.
Preserving Heritage While Building for the Future
The site's industrial past was carefully considered during the planning process. While the architecture of the original complex was noted for its mid-20th century factory aesthetic with Art Deco touches, a heritage statement submitted to Sefton Council explained that the sole surviving structure had been compromised. It had become detached from the wider, already-demolished complex and had suffered from dereliction and partial loss, resulting in low physical significance as an undesignated, altered building.
This paved the way for a development focused firmly on the future. Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, highlighted the project's community value at the ground-breaking ceremony in December 2024. "By providing a mixture of homes, including family houses and shared ownership apartments, we're creating opportunities for local families to thrive," he said. "This is about more than just bricks and mortar though, it's about building strong, vibrant communities where everyone has the chance to put down roots."
An Ascot Group spokesperson, reflecting on the 2024 sale to Plus Dane, emphasised the deal's local importance: "This is a substantial deal for Bootle and Plus Dane's plans will add real value to the neighbourhood."
The completed estate promises not only a vital boost to south Sefton's housing supply but also the creation of a sustainable and vibrant new community in the heart of Bootle, successfully turning a page in the area's rich industrial history.
