In a bid to enhance community facilities, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has unveiled ambitious plans for the refurbishment of the Gravel Car Park public toilets.

Headed up by the Services Committee, this initiative marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable facility.

The Gravel Car Park public toilet block, under the ownership of the Town Council since 2018, is set to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment. Despite being structurally sound, signs of wear and tear have prompted the need for a redesign to meet contemporary standards and address ongoing challenges.

Over the years, the facilities at the Gravel Car Park have faced hurdles in maintenance, leading to difficulties in upholding an acceptable standard. Vandalism has been an ongoing issue, and the current layout does not provide a safe environment for users.

To tackle these challenges head-on, the proposed solution involves a total strip-out and redesign of the internal layout. The plan includes the installation of up to 5 externally accessed toilet cubicles, featuring gender-neutral options and a 'Changing Places' certified provision. This redesign aims to enhance safety, reduce vandalism, and improve overall efficiency. By optimizing space for general circulation and hand washing stations, the layout frees up the 12 square meters required for a certified ‘Changing Spaces’ toilet.

The overarching vision of this project is to provide an improved toilet provision accessible to all, housed in an environmentally sustainable building. Specific goals include a new layout with externally accessed toilets, provisions for women, men, and gender-neutral facilities, 'Changing Places' certification, and improved sustainability and efficiency in design and management.

The Project Proposal Document (PPD) has been meticulously crafted, and the design plans have received approval, marking a significant milestone in the project's progress. The next phase involves planning and costings to ensure a streamlined execution.

The proposed completion date for this transformative project is anticipated around March 2025.