A derelict public toilet in St Budeaux is to be replaced with a modern new facility to complement the public transport interchange scheme that is now getting under way.
The modern, single modular toilet will replace the existing toilets that were identified as being at the end of their usable life at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when they were closed permanently.
The new toilet will serve shoppers as well as users of the new interchange, which will provide better facilities to encourage residents and commuters to walk, cycle and use public transport to get around the city.
Ward councillors have long campaigned for a new facility and have contributed towards the costs from their community grants.
The decision follows a public consultation last year, which showed most respondents wanted a single modular toilet to replace the old facility.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “With work on the new St Budeaux transport interchange getting under way, now is the time to finally unblock the barriers that have prevented the replacement of the old toilets, which local members have long campaigned for.
“St Budeaux councillors have long advocated for a new toilet and allocated their community grants towards the costs two years running. With work starting on the St Budeaux transport interchange we want to get this done without any further delay.
“We know that residents and those using the transport interchange will welcome a new, safe public toilet.
“We also know that residents are worried about anti-social behaviour around the existing toilets, so we will be ensuring there are security cameras to minimise the risk of problems in future.”
Work is now starting on the transport interchange scheme, which will provide much-needed improvements to St Budeaux Square, including an extended bus bay, new bus shelters, footway lighting, cycle parking, wayfinding signage and Real Time Passenger Information displays for both bus and train. Beryl e-bikes will also be available.
The plan is for the new toilet to be installed at the same time as the works on the interchange.