The first of its kind, bespoke immersive experience room has launched in The Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle as part of a five-year programme to promote climate action within the local community.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Council’s Sefton Climate & Retrofit Action Project (SCRAP) has received £866,548 over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK.

Partnership working

The project will be led by the Council’s Energy and Environmental Management Services Communities Team (EEMS) in partnership with Southport Eco Centre, Sefton Community Learning Service, and Zero Carbon Liverpool City Region.

Over five years, the project will aim to break down the barriers that prevent communities from actively participating in climate action by equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to take positive and achievable steps in their homes, careers, and community.

The immersive room experience will focus on educating residents on energy-saving measures, sustainable transport, and emerging ‘green’ job opportunities.

Opening times

Open every Wednesday from 10am – 3pm, people can find the immersive room in the HIVE unit next door to New Look in The Strand (76-80 The Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle, England, L20 4SR). No booking or payment is required to take part.

Following the immersive experience, people will be able to access advice and training on a range of climate-related topics, from retrofit schemes, cost-free lifestyle changes, to green jobs training opportunities.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to experience innovative technology and learn something new about climate action.

“Improving our knowledge and getting the community involved with such an important topic not only helps us collectively tackle climate change, but it can also improve individuals’ health and daily life by reducing fuel poverty and energy bills.

“Drop in and experience the immersive room for yourself and chat to the lovely team who can offer expert advice and support.”

Climate Action Fund

The project is possible thanks to the Climate Action Fund, a £100 million commitment over 10 years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support communities across the UK to take action on climate change and involve more people in climate action. This forms part of one of the funder’s four key missions in its 2030 strategy,  ‘It starts with community’ - supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable.