New call for quality assurances about public toilets earmarked for Peterborough city centre

A call has gone out for assurances that the look of the public conveniences planned for St John’s Square is in keeping with the surroundings.

Council chiefs have promised that the toilets, which they say will be ‘modular, prefabricated and accessible’ and which have been consistently demanded by residents for years, will be in place by the end of next March.

But now Paul Bristow, the mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, has called on officials to reveal more details about the intended design, appearance and materials for the loos and to show how they will be integrated into St John’s Square.

Mr Bristow said: “Given that public toilets have been absent from the city centre for many years, residents will want reassurance that these facilities represent a lasting investment.”

A £1.5 million Pride in Place government grant is being used by Peterborough City Council to pay for the toilets along with a host of other enhancements for the city centre.

Mr Bristow’s call for assurances on the quality of the toilets comes in a letter to Peterborough City Council chief executive Matt Gladstone.

In the letter, Mr Bristow states: “Following the announcement that the new facilities will be modular, prefabricated units located in St John’s Square, residents have raised concerns about whether they will provide the high-quality addition expected in such an important public space.

"As part of the wider £1.5 million investment in the city centre, including improvements to public spaces, greenery and seating, it is important that the new toilets complement their surroundings and feel like a permanent part of the regeneration plans, rather than a temporary installation.

"I would therefore be grateful if the council could provide further details on the design, appearance and materials of the proposed facilities, as well as how they will be integrated into St John’s Square.

He adds: “I welcome the council’s announcement of improvements to the city centre, including the introduction of accessible public toilets.

"This is something residents have consistently called for and is a positive step towards making the area more welcoming and accessible.”

The council has been approached for a response.