It’s been an interesting few days. Last Monday I was with the King to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of Cambridge becoming a City, and this Monday I was at the opening of the new public toilets on Silver Street. In between there have been a lot of meetings and calls.
I am really pleased that the refurbished toilets are finally open, because the old toilets here were in a very poor condition and really unsuitable for such a busy site where lots of visitors to Cambridge pass by every day.
Accessibility, safety, and inclusivity sit right at the heart of the new design. We wanted to make sure that everyone felt welcome, so underground we have separate women’s and men’s facilities with a universal toilet situated between them.
Both the women’s and men’s sections feature Cambridge’s first squat toilets in a public loo. They aren’t the only squat toilets in Cambridge, as there are some at Cambridge Central Mosque, but there are a thoughtful step forward in catering to international visitors and local residents alike.
Above ground, a large universal accessible toilet has been provided that also incorporates comprehensive baby-changing facilities. The integrated help points, clear layout, and carefully considered management arrangements will help ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all users.
Replacing the old underground toilets and the outdated accessible loo on the surface presented a lot of challenges, but the end result is a high-quality public toilet that we can be proud of. The building was designed by Gort Scott Architects and constructed by Gray & Sons Builders, and the materials, height, proportions, and colours were carefully considered to work in t into the local conservation area.
As well as being well designed, the building is packed with clever ecological and practical features. A clever funnel system on the roof channels natural light directly to the universal toilet, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
I’m especially pleased that swift boxes, a bat box, and a solitary bee brick are built into the structure to enhance urban biodiversity. And there’s an easily accessible bottle refill point on the exterior of the building to help residents and tourists stay hydrated while cutting down on single-use plastic.
By investing in well-designed, inclusive, and eco-friendly spaces like Silver Street, the City Council is supporting local tourism, improving accessibility, and enhancing the experience of everyone who lives in, works in, or visits our city. I hope these facilities will serve Cambridge well for many years to come!
Read more on the City Council website