The changes have been introduced over the last few weeks in line with today
Liverpool ONE changes will come into full effect for Purple Tuesday(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A list of “powerful” changes have been fully implemented at Liverpool ONE over the last few weeks to mark Purple Tuesday. Held on November 4 this year, the annual global social movement encourages organisations to enhance the customer experience for people with disabilities.
The city centre shopping complex has been involved in the initiative by introducing a number of changes that will increase accessibility facilities and tools. Quiet hours, stoma-friendly toilets, large print maps, and sensory bags are among the new services now available at Liverpool ONE as part of the company’s ongoing accessibility journey.
Giovanni Cinque, Marketing and Campaigns Manager at Colostomy UK, said: “Having access to stoma-friendly toilets can make the difference between someone with a stoma feeling confident to go out and enjoy life or staying at home through fear and anxiety.
“At Colostomy UK, we know that simple changes to toilet facilities, such as providing a shelf, hook, and disposal bin, give people dignity, independence, and peace of mind.
“Liverpool ONE’s commitment to creating stoma-friendly spaces sends a powerful message that everyone is welcome, and that hidden conditions should never be a barrier to taking part in everyday activities.”
Also part of these new accessibility tools and services are the availability of large-print maps, an established ‘quiet hour’ every Friday morning across multiple stores, as well as the free rental service of sensory bags filled with a collection of tools that help individuals with sensory sensitivities in busy or loud environments.
According to a 2021 Liverpool City Region report commissioned by the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health, an estimated 1 in 14 people in the region have a sensory impairment. Additionally, 10-15% of the population identify as neurodivergent –an umbrella term that includes neurominority identities such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia.
In the last few weeks, Sign Live, an on-demand sign language interpretation service, has also been introduced at the Liverpool ONE Information Centre.
People enjoying the sunny weather on the green steps at Liverpool One. (Pic Andrew Teebay).
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We are working closely with partners, experts, and visitors with accessibility needs to ensure Liverpool ONE and the city centre are as welcoming as possible to all visitors.
“We pride ourselves on being a destination that has something for everyone, and the introduction of these new initiatives is the next step in our ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor welcome and supporting our local community.”
Another change people will notice from this week is that the Sugar House steps, known as “the green steps” near John Lewis, have been removed in line with the winter months.
Liverpool ONE shared a post on TikTok to reveal the changing, captioning the video with “it’s time”. The post reads: “And just like that, our big green steps are hibernating for another year. Summer 2025, it’s been fun.”