Public toilets are set to make a return to the city centre – but they may not be on Cathedral Square.

The long-standing issue of access to public conveniences was raised at Peterborough City Council’s monthly Cabinet meeting last night (March 24) by Councillor Mohammed Jamil.

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Corporate Governance asked to seek reassurance around toilet provision following Cllr Mohammed Farooq’s presentation outlining plans to establish a Peterborough City Centre Growth Board.

“One of the things we’re often criticised for,” Cllr Jamil began, “is that the previous administration took away all the public toilets [in the city centre].”

Many people remember the toilets near St John's Church in Cathedral Square

placeholder image — Many people remember the toilets near St John's Church in Cathedral Square

“Can you just reassure me that there are plans to bring those back because people need these facilities?”

Adrian Chapman, Executive Director for Place and Economy, replied to the query on Cllr Farooq’s behalf:

“Cllr Farooq mentioned the Pride of Place impact fund.. and one of the biggest impacts we think needs to be made is in toilet provision,” he said.

Mr Chapman suggested new public toilets would join enhancements to Cathedral Square and the Guildhall in helping to make the city centre a more appealing place for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

“I’m not suggesting toilets will sit on Cathedral Square,” he added, “but I think we can combine all of that into one single project.”

Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, Cllr Christian Hogg was keen to know more about the likely timeframe involved:

“How long do you think it will be before we see something happening with… toilet facilities in our town centre?” he asked.

Adrian Davey, the council’s Interim Service Director of Regeneration & Growth said: “The Pride of Place [fund]… is a quick, immediate programme to make differences now.”

Cllr Hogg pressed Mr Davey on the actual length of time it will take to see new toilet provision made available, voicing concerns that some other local development projects are likely to take a decade or more to complete.

“Are we having to wait 15 years for a toilet?” he asked, adding wryly, “Do we have to keep our legs crossed for that long?”

“The Pride of Place fund is [responsible for] the toilets,” he confirmed.

Adrian Chapman reassured cabinet members that more detailed information about city centre regeneration will be made available in the coming days.

“You will definitely see toilet provision of some kind featuring,” he said.