Liverpool city region rail operator Merseyrail says it will spend more than a penny upgrading station toilets. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyrail is to upgrade its toilets as part of its stations’ improvement plan.
It will spend £300,000 on refurbishing toilets at a number of stations. Loos at Liverpool Central will be completely renovated, while Moorfields, Bank Hall and Hightown will all get fully accessible new facilities.
The existing toilets at Moorfields station will also be refurbished. Refurbishment of the toilets at Southport station were also recently completed. Liverpool Central had been refurbished in 2012 but customer feedback suggested they needed a refresh.
Works at the network’s flagship station will see the facilities completely renovated with new sinks and hand driers, as well as new toilets. New wall and floor tiles together with enhanced ventilation will also be installed.
Suzanne Grant, commercial director at Merseyrail, said: “We always aim to provide the best customer experience possible, and we know how important facilities such as these are for people travelling on Merseyrail.
“The toilets at Liverpool Central are well used and we are delighted to be able to get this work under way. The improvements at Moorfields, Bank Hall and Hightown will particularly benefit disabled customers.
“We know that there will be a period of disruption for customers while this work takes place, but the positives will be clear when everything is completed.”
Refurbishment work of the toilets will start at Liverpool Central in mid-January and will take about 12 weeks to complete. Male and female toilet refurbishment will be completed in six weeks, and then the work on the disabled and baby change facilities will start.
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Customers requiring toilet facilities during the refurbishment works should use those at Lime Street or James Street stations. Disabled passengers will still be able to access their dedicated toilets at Liverpool Central during the works.
Work at Moorfields station will start by the end of January and be completed within five weeks. Bank Hall and Hightown stations will see their works begin on Monday, January 15, with work being completed shortly afterwards.
Investment at Moorfields, Bank Hall and Hightown stations is being funded by Network Rail and the Department for Transport under the Access For All Mid-Tier Scheme.