Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Gardens to Get Much-Needed Accessible Toilets
Brighton and Hove locals could soon relax in the Royal Pavilion Gardens without worrying about dodgy or missing toilets. The Royal Pavilion and Museums Trust (RPMT) has a plan to bring back accessible loo facilities after they were slammed shut in October 2022.
Toilets Closed Over Antisocial Behaviour and Poor Condition
The site’s toilets have been out of action for months due to their shabby state and high levels of antisocial behaviour. Part of the problem was the hidden entrance, tucked away from the gardens and streets, making it tough to keep an eye on troublemakers.
Funding Bid Aims to Bring Back Accessible Facilities
RPMT is teaming up with the council to secure funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund this summer. If successful, they’ll lease land to build fresh, accessible toilets and push forward with wider upgrades to the Royal Pavilion Gardens.
Changing Places Toilet to Break Accessibility Barriers
An access audit found a Changing Places toilet (CPT) is essential. These top-end loos cater to people with disabilities and feature height-adjustable changing benches, overhead hoists, privacy screens, and space for carers.
Previous plans risked losing precious green space by adding a new CPT block within RPMT’s lease. The new proposal cleverly repurposes the current toilet block to save the gardens’ limited greenery.
Council Leader Promises More Public Loos Coming
“A key part of ensuring future public toilets is a business plan created in partnership across the city,” said Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty. “This proposal will lease land to RPMT to reopen the toilets here.”
“We have added funding for public toilets and will reopen most in the coming months. We’re recruiting extra staff to get this done. Please bear with us as we futureproof Brighton’s public loos.”
The new Changing Places toilet will be free to use, accessible via the RADAR key scheme, guaranteeing dignity and convenience for all visitors to the beautiful Royal Pavilion Gardens.
