Toilet transformation funding successful

A grant application to transform the Gravel Car Park public toilets has been successful, town councillors have been told.

At the meeting of the Services Commitee on the 10th June 2024, town councillors were told that a grant application to the Powys County Council Transforming Towns fund had been successful.

The Transforming Towns fund requires a match funding percentage of 70-30%, where the Town Council would provide 30% of the cost. Town councillors have authorised up to £55,000 in match funding for their contribution.

The Town Council is also waiting to hear if they are successful on another grant, which is being offered by PAVO which could give the project an additional £60,000 in funding for repair, maintenance, energy efficiency and renewable energy installations.

The ambitious plans would involve a total strip-out and redesign of the internal layout. The current state of the Gravel Car Park public toilet block, under Town Council ownership since 2018, necessitates a comprehensive redesign. While structurally sound, signs of wear and tear, coupled with persistent vandalism issues, have prompted the need for a more contemporary and secure layout.

The proposed redesign includes the installation of up to five externally accessed toilet cubicles, featuring gender-neutral options and a 'Changing Places' certified provision. This layout aims to improve safety, reduce vandalism, and enhance overall efficiency.

As we reported in April, a report from Operations Manager to Full Council explains that cost estimates have risen from between £100k-150k to 175k-225k due to "increased labour and material costs".

Tenders for the project are to be sent out shortly and work is due to commence in August, for completion in December 2024.