New toilets planned for Peterborough city centre to be ‘high quality’ conveniences

The new loos, which will be installed in the St John’s area of the city centre, will be accessible for all people and equipped with baby changing facilities and will complement the surrounding area.

It is understood the council is looking at whether the new conveniences could be Changing Places facilities.

The promise comes after council leaders were challenged over the likely quality and designs of the toilets that Peterborough City Council has promised to install by the end of next March,

Council leader Councillor Shabina Qayyum said: "These toilets will be a high-quality addition that complements their surroundings and are exactly what residents will expect in such an important area.

"The regeneration of our city centre is going to have a positive effect for residents and visitors for years to come and I’m looking forward to seeing this exciting project progress.

“As part of this work, we are currently drawing up detailed plans for new accessible toilets, however the specific choice of these facilities hasn’t been decided yet.”

Her comments come after the Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow called for more details to be made public about the design of the toilets and the materials to be used in their construction.

In a letter, Mr Bristow stated: “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.

"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.”

In reply, Cllr Qayyum said: “He knows full well what type and quality of toilets we are looking to install, given the surroundings they will be in.

"However, if the Mayor is looking to fund 24 carat gold-plated toilets we will gladly take up his offer.”

A £1.5 million Pride in Place government grant is being used to pay for the toilets plus a host of other enhancements for the city centre.

The need for public toilets has been a recurring theme in consultations by the council to find out what the public wants in the city centre.