Former public toilets in Churchtown are being converted into stylish new offices

Former public toilets in Churchtown in Southport are in the process of being transformed into stylish new offices. 

The former public facilities on Cambridge Road, near to Churchtown Medical Centre, have now been demolished to make way for the new development. 

The scheme will “provide additional employment facilities and improve the overall appearance of the site”. 

Approval for the scheme has been granted by Sefton Council. 

The plans have been drawn up by Southport firm Clayton Architecture Limited, with work being carried out by Churchtown Carpentry. 

A construction method statement for the work has been prepared by Clayton Architecture Limited on behalf of applicant Balmoral Estates LTD. 

In its planning application, Clayton Architecture Limited said: “The proposal consists of the demolition of an existing disused public toilet block and erection of a part single part double storey new build commercial premises.

“The proposed brownfield site offers great potential for employment opportunities through development.

“It seeks to utilise a brownfield site within an established town and local centre, thus providing additional employment facilities in an established area.

“The demolition of the disused public toilet block will improve the overall appearance of the site and local area and this new proposal aims to provide a ‘draw’ on the main access point into Churchtown Village. In terms of the social objective, the sites and its use will be brought back into the local community.

Former public toilets in Churchtown in Southport are in the process of being transformed into stylish new offices. Photo by Andrew Brown Media

“This new commercial premises is offering the applicant additional business space which in the future could be subdivided and offered to other local businesses for rent. 

“As the site is a brownfield site, this site will be contributing to Sefton’s employment land requirements without having to look at alternative sites within the green belt.

“The new proposal seeks to achieve an improved use and also assist in the wider context, in the regeneration of Churchtown’s Local Centre.”

The new design will be contemporary but high quality, proving to be a great addition to the area – and a big improvement on the previous former public toilet building which has just been demolished. 

Clayton Architecture Limited said: “The proposed layout has been kept fairly simple, the new proposal will front the existing road with access provided from the courtyard and also private access to the rear. The floor plans have such an open plan arrangement in an attempt to future proof the building should the applicant’s business ever reduce in size. The building could easily be split into multiple smaller office spaces depending on the demand in the local area and could perhaps provide a small business hub. 

“The proposed design is more contemporary than the buildings around the site, however this modern building looks to enhance and improve the local area through a high quality development. Similarly to the Acorn Insurance and Financial Services office in ‘The Lighthouse’ building in Formby, this is a unique design which can be seen upon arrival entering Formby. 

“It uses local materiality and form in a very modern way yet does not detract from the surrounding context, nor does it appear out of place. The building is noticeable for something uniquely modern yet traditional.”

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