Let’s face it most of us have been caught short at some point when out and about in town centres or on holiday at the seaside and have had to find a public loo. Chances are though, they’re either in a dilapidated and filthy state or closed!

The Demise of the Public Loo

The demise of the public toilet is largely due to lack of funds from the cash strapped councils that run them. They simply aren’t a priority in the long list of other services and facilities they have to provide particularly as they’re not legally obliged to provide them. The escalating cost to staff them with cleaners or attendants, repair damage caused by vandals or malfunctions or just to bring them up to modern standards is prohibitive. It’s possible therefore, that most of those that are still operating now will probably charge you around 20p for the privilege. At least, though, you’ll be likely to find a decent facility with paper and soap provided

The British Toilet Association (yes, it really exists!) was launched in May 1999. It’s a non-profit organisation promoting high standards of hygiene and provision of facilities within any ‘away from home’ toilet. Their campaigns, funded by membership subscriptions and sponsorships, focus on adequate provision for those with a particular medical need, the disabled or young children or babies.

That said, some disused public toilets have been converted into some amazing constructions. A decaying Norfolk toilet block was converted into two-bedroom luxury home lovingly called ‘The Wee Room’!

New Public Toilet Build for Brent Council by BRAC Contracts

You will be surprised having read all of this however, that Brent Council recently commissioned the construction of a new building – yes, you’ve got it a brand new public loo!  BRAC Contracts worked with the council to provide a building that not only overcame the stigma around public toilets but which was visually striking. It has gone on to win awards and has even featured 6^th on the list of the world’s best designed public loo compiled by the architecture and design site DesignCurial. For more information on this project please click here

BRAC Contracts will go above and beyond to not only deliver exceptional results, but we can complete your entire building project by offering consultancy services, furniture and interior designing skills and space planning. We believe your finished project, whether it’s a public amenity, workplace or school should be comfortable, spacious and modern for all to enjoy. To find out more click here