New loos with views on the waterfront
New loos could be installed along the Barbican as part of the Council’s plans to upgrade toilets and provide better facilities for day-trippers and regular water users.
People wandering on Plymouth’s fantastic waterfront will be able to answer the call of nature more easily from next summer as two sets of toilets are to be put in – one to replace dilapidated toilets at Elphinstone car park and a second on the site of the current public toilets at Quay Point – opposite the Mayflower Visitor Centre.
Cabinet on December 10 is being asked to add £370,000 to this year’s capital programme, so that the new toilets can be in place by the summer season.
The proposals is for a minimum of six unisex toilets and a disabled/ family toilet with baby change facilities at the Quay Point site and at least four unisex toilets and a disabled/ family toilet with baby change in Elphinstone car park.
A Harbour Master’s office and bin storage area to serve businesses at Commercial Wharf is also part of the Elphinstone scheme.
Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “The Barbican is one of our most important areas, not just for tourists but for the many people who come down here to walk around, eat, fish and sail.
“We were conscious that the existing toilets on the Quay weren’t up to scratch despite the hard work carried out by staff to keep them clean. We looked at refurbishing, but it was more economical to start from scratch and invest in something that is more modern and flexible.”
There will be a charge for using the loos, to help keep anti-social behaviour in check and to contribute to their upkeep. Charges have been brought in successfully in Armada Way in the city centre.
The report recommends that £370,000 is included in this year’s capital programme and that they are open in time for the next summer – 2014. This includes all project costs including the demolition of existing toilets as well as fees and surveys. It is hoped that the toilets will be completed ready for the busy summer season.
A contractor needs to be appointed as soon as possible to work up the design and submit planning and Conservation Area consent applications. A procurement process is also underway.
