The toilet block and facilities at Ainsdale on Sea have recently re-opened to the public.

Refurbishment works include a new roof, with the addition of bat-accessible tiles to provide important sheltering space, new windows, and a new external shower.

To ensure the highly sensitive natural environment at Ainsdale On Sea is protected, the Council has worked closely and consulted with partners, like Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service and others during the works.

Due to the hibernating times for some of the special and protected species that live in this area and their protected habitat, the sand removal required to enable the external works, such as rendering and painting, will be completed in early September. Portaloos will remain on site while these works are finished.

Inside the heritage building, many of the tiles, sinks, and other features from the 1930s have been conserved in their original form.

Baby change facilities have also been installed in both men’s and women’s toilets and a drinking water station, funded by Sea-Changers, is also available.

With funding from the Ainsdale Civic Society, a defibrillator has been installed on the exterior of the building as well.

To ensure Ainsdale is accessible to as many visitors as possible, the Council has opened a new, fully accessible Changing Places toilet, in addition to refurbishing the original disabled toilet. Changing Places toilets are larger, specialist facilities and come with equipment such as hoists, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers. This work was funded by a UK Government grant, with support from Muscular Dystrophy UK and Sefton Council.

Sefton Council has also opened new Changing Places toilets at Litherland Sports Centre, and Dunes Splash World, using the same funding source as the Ainsdale facility. These are in addition to Sefton’s seven existing Changing Places units in Southport, Bootle, Crosby, and Formby.

The toilets are open daily in the summer months, from 10am to 6pm, and people are asked to use the facilities respectfully. Cleaning and replacement of consumables will be undertaken twice per day.

Cllr Peter Harvey, Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene said:
“It is great to see the refurbished toilet block reopen and much improved for visitors.

“Combining new and heritage features enables us to provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities while preserving the site’s legacy as a popular tourist destination.

“The new accessible toilet facility ensures everyone can enjoy time at Ainsdale On Sea and complements the Changing Places toilets across the borough.”

On-beach car parking is available at Ainsdale from 10am to 6pm daily. Spaces can fill up quickly on busy days and people are advised to plan their journey ahead and have alternative parking options or travel arrangements if needed.

Visitors can find out more about Sefton’s coastline by heading to www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches