Could Formby’s Former Duke Street Park Toilets Be Given a New Lease of Life? Sefton Council Invites Community Proposals
A familiar building in one of Formby’s local parks could be given an entirely new purpose, as Sefton Council invites community organisations to come forward with ideas for its future.
The former public toilet block in Duke Street Park, Formby, has been included in a new initiative aimed at bringing council-owned buildings and facilities into community use.
Rather than allowing buildings to remain unused, Sefton Council is offering eligible community groups, charities and social enterprises the opportunity to take responsibility for managing them and creating something that benefits local residents.
For Formby, this presents an interesting opportunity to transform a former public convenience into something that could serve the community for years to come.
What Could the Building Become?
Although no specific future use has been announced, the invitation opens the door for community organisations to put forward their own ideas.
Could the building become a small community hub, a base for volunteers, a meeting place for local groups or perhaps a facility supporting activities within Duke Street Park?
These are just possibilities, rather than confirmed proposals, but they highlight how a building that once served a very different purpose could potentially be brought back into use.
The important requirement is that any proposal must demonstrate a genuine benefit to the local community.
Sefton Council Wants Community Organisations to Get Involved…
The opportunity forms part of Sefton Council’s Community Assets Process, which allows suitable organisations to take on the management of council-owned properties.
Under the scheme, successful applicants would generally enter into a lease agreement with the council rather than purchasing the property.
The council would normally retain ownership, while the organisation taking on the building would become responsible for its day-to-day management, maintenance and running costs.
Applicants must demonstrate that their plans are financially sustainable and that the proposed use would deliver lasting benefits for residents.
Sefton Council has also made clear that it will not provide funding to operate or improve the buildings. Organisations will therefore need to consider any necessary repairs, improvements and ongoing expenses before committing to a project.
Four Locations Across Sefton Included
While the former toilet block at Duke Street Park is the opportunity of particular interest to Formby residents, three other locations across the borough are also available for expressions of interest.
These are:
Hesketh Park Conservatory in Southport.
Ainsdale Library and its neighbouring former public toilet block.
The Community Kitchen at Cambridge Road Adult Education Centre in Seaforth.
Each offers a different opportunity for organisations looking to provide facilities, activities or services for their local communities.
Who Can Apply?
The council is particularly interested in hearing from established community-focused organisations that operate on a not-for-profit basis.
These may include registered charities, community interest companies, constituted voluntary groups and other eligible social enterprises.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a clear connection to the local community, appropriate management arrangements and a realistic plan for maintaining and operating the property.
The first stage involves submitting an Expression of Interest outlining the proposed use of the building, the benefits it would bring and how the organisation intends to manage it.
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to develop a more detailed business plan.
Deadline for Applications
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 27th November 2026.
Organisations interested in the Duke Street Park building can find further information, including a dedicated information pack, application documents and guidance, on Sefton Council’s website.
Full details and applications:
The council can also arrange property viewings for interested organisations.
What Would You Like to See in Duke Street Park?
For many Formby residents, Duke Street Park is a familiar local green space, and the possibility of finding a new purpose for an existing building could generate some interesting ideas.
Although the opportunity is specifically aimed at eligible community organisations, residents may have suggestions that could inspire a future proposal.
Perhaps a local charity, voluntary organisation or community group could see the potential to create something worthwhile.
Whatever happens next, the council’s invitation offers an opportunity to explore whether this former public toilet block could have a useful future.
Formby Bubble would love to hear your thoughts.
If you could give the former Duke Street Park toilet building a completely new purpose, what would you like to see it become?
And do you know a local community group or charity that might be interested in taking it on?
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