Brighton and Hove City Council approved the decision to reopen the public toilets at a cost of ￡1.1 million.
After facing a backlash for the budget cuts published in December 2022, the decision was overturned by members of the Budget Council, who approved the General Fund Revenue Budget, Capital & Treasure Management Strategy for 2023/24 on 23rd February 2023.
The approval will now see money apportioned for the rebuilding of the toilets, following the completion of refurbishment plans and the employment of staff members.
Councilor Steve Davis, the Chair of the Environmental, Transport and Sustainability committee said:
“I can confirm that additional funding has been provided to the public toilet budget which means it is now possible to reopen the public toilets without placing a financial pressure on the public toilet budget…
“However, the reopening of currently closed sites requires additional staff.”
All except three toilets located at Princes Place near the Royal Pavilion Garden, The Level and Norton Road will reopen, due to significant drug use, anti-social behaviour and damages that need to be rectified.
The refurbishment programme began in November of 2022 in a ‘Phase 1’ scheme with toilets located in Daltons, Kings Esplanade, Saltdean Undercliff and Station Road. These toilets will open on 3rd April.
The council is now considering implementing a ‘Phase 2’ scheme. However, this will only occur between the months of September and March as the pace of the programme will not increase to lessen the impacts of closures.
All quotes and information from Brighton and Hove council website.
