Plymouth Council signs off another pledge

Transforming tired and outdated toilets in Plymouth has helped councillors tick off another important task in the Council to-do list.

While many local councils are shutting and locking the doors of public toilets, the Plymouth City Council has replaced and refurbished key toilets to make it more convenient for visitors and locals.

And the Council’s efforts have helped the city win two platinum awards in the Loo of the Year contest for the two new sets of toilets on the Barbican and a third for the toilets in Armada Way.

Councillor Brian Vincent Cabinet member for the Environment said: “People have very strong opinions about public toilets and we believe that investing in them is important.

“It creates a good impression of the city for the increasing number of visitors and it’s great to be able to provide decent facilities for local people when they are out shopping or enjoying the city.”

Over the last year the Council refurbished:

City Market – an £80,000 makeover i

ncluding new drainage systems, new walls and floors, as well as lower ceilings, lighting, new cubicles, urinals, sinks and hand dryers. The cubicles reconfigured so that the male and female areas both have facilities for people with disabilities. There are also baby changing facilities.

Elphinstone Car Park – in April new toilets were built at the car park on the Barbican for water users and visitors. A harbour-master’s office and bin storage area for businesses at Commercial Wharf was also included in the scheme.
Sutton Harbour – in June another set of toilets were opened on Sutton Harbour Quay to replace the out-of-date block opposite the Tourist Information Centre.

The two blocks on the Barbican were refurbished for cost of £370,000.

The toilets in front of the Tourist Information Centre were built on land owned by  Sutton Harbour. The build was funded by the Council who shall continue to manage and maintain them.