New loos for the Barbican now open
Plymouth's newest toilets were opened today.
The Barbican now has a set of smart toilets as part of the Council’s commitment to keep Plymouth’s waterfront enticing and attractive.
The old toilet block at Quay Point has now been pulled down and ground work has been taking place over the last few weeks ahead of the new loos being installed on the land opposite the Mayflower Visitor Centre.
The loo-move comes only a month after a similar set of toilets – and a harbour master’s office – were installed at Elphinstone car park for water lovers who use the car park and nearby slipways and many people who like to walk along the waterfront.
The new loos are being built on land owned by Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc who have worked with the Council to improve facilities as well as the feel of the historic harbour area.
Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet member for the Environment said: “Visitors and locals love the Barbican and Sutton Harbour. It’s a great place to eat, drink and have some downtime for all ages is hugely important to us and we need to make sure that our facilities are welcoming.
“We have 12 miles of waterfront in Plymouth and have a lot of work to do make do after the storms of this year, but we are constantly looking at how else we can up our game. Decent facilities are something everyone needs and everyone has an opinion on.”
The design gives a nod to Britain’s Ocean City with port-hole shaped windows as well as an attractive European Oak cladding.
The two sets of toilets have cost a total of £370,000 and have a range of features to make sure they are pleasant to use as well as more environmentally-friendly.
This includes automatic lighting, efficient water use and back up flush systems.
There will be a 20p charge to use the toilets, 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.
Sarah O’ Leary, Plymouth Waterfront Manager said: “We're extremely pleased the toilets are clean, safe and improved – waterfront businesses have told us that they want good facilities which are so vital to the visitor experience. With a fantastic programme of summer events across the waterfront to showcase the best of what Britain's Ocean City has to offer it is absolutely crucial that we get the whole experience right."
Paul James, Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc, added: “This is a great example of the public and the private sector working together for the wider good of the city.
“The new facilities are on Sutton Harbour land, but are funded by the Council who shall continue to manage and maintain them, both Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc and the Council appreciate the importance of what we are all trying to achieve in making Plymouth the best it can be."
