Visitors to The Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle can now benefit from a range of modern, inclusive and family-friendly toilet facilities designed to meet the needs of all users.

New Changing Places facilities

As part of the ongoing regeneration of the centre new toilet facilities include a Changing Places facility, family room, quiet room, accessible toilets and upgraded men's and women's amenities - making sure that everyone can enjoy a comfortable and welcoming visit to the centre.

You can use this link to find a full list of Changing Places facilities in Sefton.

The new facilities have been fully funded via the Strategic Investment Fund by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Essential features for people with complex disabilities and their carers

The new Changing Places facility provides essential features for people with complex disabilities and their carers, including a ceiling hoist, height-adjustable changing bench, accessible toilet, adjustable-height sink, stoma facility and retractable privacy screen.

A dedicated quiet space has also been created, offering a calm environment for visitors who may need a sensory-friendly area, as well as facilities for prayer or private feeding. Access to the room is available through Centre Management and Security team members who are located around the centre.

Families using the shopping centre will benefit from a dedicated family room featuring both adult and child-sized toilets, as well as a baby changing station, making visits easier and stress free for parents and carers.

Wider facilities have also been designed with accessibility in mind

The wider facilities have also been designed with accessibility in mind and include:

• Two accessible toilets, with both left-hand and right-hand layouts.
• A men's toilet area with five cubicles, eight urinals (including a child-height urinal), baby changing facilities, a child-height hand dryer and an ambulant accessible toilet.
• A women's toilet area with 10 cubicles, baby changing facilities, a child-height hand dryer and an ambulant accessible toilet.

A investment in making The Strand accessible, inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone

Councillor Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said:

"These new facilities represent a significant investment in making The Strand accessible, inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone.

"The addition of a fully equipped Changing Places facility, dedicated family room and quiet space means more people can visit the centre with confidence, knowing their needs have been considered and catered for.

"We are committed to creating spaces that are accessible to all, and these improvements are another important step towards that goal."

Social Value Benefits 

Alongside delivering the new accessible toilet facilities, contractor Whitfield & Brown generated a range of social value benefits across Bootle and Sefton. These included supporting local people into employment and training opportunities within the construction sector, providing work experience for young people, contributing to community projects and mental health initiatives, and supporting grassroots sport. The project also helped strengthen the local economy through the use of regional suppliers and businesses, ensuring investment remained within the Liverpool City Region.

Open now!

The new facilities are now open (opposite the Hive) and available for visitors to use during The Strand's normal opening hours.