Liverpool One has become the UK’s first retail destination to introduce two new schemes to improve accessibility for all its visitors.

The new tools – Sociability and Waymap — aim to support visitors both ahead of their visit and once they are at Liverpool One.

Sociability helps disabled people find accessible places across stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. The online accessibility directory “provides useful and reliable information, including information on toilets and access to stores, allowing visitors to filter results based on their specific needs, such as seating availability and accessible toilet provisions”.

Matt Pierri, founder & CEO at Sociability, said: “[The scheme] takes away the stress and anxiety of planning an accessible day out – helping more disabled people to enjoy all that Liverpool One has to offer, and to spend more time with the people they love, in the places they want to visit.”

Meanwhile, Waymap claims to be the first navigation app of its kind to work indoors, outdoors and even deep underground, without GPS. 

It includes a step-by-step guidance and a level of accuracy that ensures all users have the “confidence to navigate any venue [meaning] Waymap will empower users to explore Liverpool One with independence”.

Built primarily for blind and partially sighted people, the application also includes a step-free access option to additionally assist visitors with reduced mobility.