New Life for Former Public Toilets – The Small Room Brings Fresh Purpose to Formby Village

A once-forgotten piece of Formby Village is about to play a brand-new role in community life. The long-disused public toilet block on Furness Avenue (L37 4DL), tucked away behind Costa Coffee in the central car park, has been completely transformed into a vibrant new business and community hub – The Small Room, created by Roots of Formby Ltd.

The building, which was sold for £20,000 at the start of this year, had stood empty and unused for more than two decades. Now, thanks to an ambitious regeneration project by Roots of Formby, it is being repurposed into a modern, flexible space designed to support local businesses, foster community connections, and create employment opportunities. The project is expected to provide one full-time and two part-time jobs.

The change of use from the building’s original sui generis classification is a positive example of how neglected and overlooked spaces can be given a new lease of life for the benefit of the local community. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to view the detailed plans and share comments or feedback through the official Sefton Council planning portal.

About Roots of Formby

Founded in February 2025, Roots of Formby Ltd (company classification: 82990 – Other business support service activities not elsewhere classified) believes that “it is in the roots, not the branches, that a tree’s greatest strength lies.” Guided by this ethos, the team aims to nurture the people, businesses, and initiatives that form the backbone of the Formby community.

Their flagship project, The Small Room, acknowledges the building’s humble past while embracing a forward-thinking purpose. This “modest but flexible space” is intended to bring people together — encouraging collaboration, conversation, and community growth. Whether for small business meetings, networking, workshops, or social gatherings, The Small Room will be a welcoming place for ideas to flourish.

Roots of Formby said: “We are passionate about transforming this modest local landmark into an integral part of the Formby community. Named The Small Room in acknowledgment of the building’s past use, we hope to provide a space that encourages people to meet and flourish together.”

Opportunities for Local Businesses

The Small Room is also offering high-resolution digital advertising screens right in the heart of Formby Village, giving local businesses a new way to promote their services to passing footfall.

Roots of Formby are inviting local people and business owners to get involved: “We would love to hear from you about how you might use The Small Room and who you might bring together in the space. All feedback is welcomed to ensure that the space can be as flexible and inclusive as possible.”

With the transformation now almost complete, The Small Room stands as a brilliant example of how forgotten spaces can be reimagined to serve the present and future needs of the community. It’s a small space with big ambitions — and a welcome new addition to Formby Village.

🔗 For more information, visit: www.rootsofformby.co.uk