News

8 central London public toilets are getting swanky makeovers

Westminster Council has pledged £12.7m to renovate public loos in Piccadilly Circus, Green Park and more

India Lawrence
Written by
India Lawrence
Staff Writer, UK
Renovated Piccadilly Circus public toilets
Image: Hugh Broughton Architects
Advertising

It’s no secret that London’s public toilets often leave much to be desired. But now there’s some good news from the world of loos. Westminster Council has announced it will refurbish eight central London public toilets over the next few years as part of a £12.7 million project. 

These aren’t going to be any run of the mill loos. ‘The council will create a series of inclusive facilities that demonstrate high-quality design and enshrine as much civic pride as the Victorians displayed when they first started looking at a proper sanitation system for the general public in the 19th century,’ Westminster Council wrote in the proposals. Ooh la la. 

Toilets at Victoria Embankment, Parliament Street, Piccadilly Circus and Green Park will get extensive makeovers in 2024/2025 with Carnaby Street, Westminster Pier, Covent Garden and Leicester Square due to be upgraded the following year. The council has also invested £285,000 to refresh its neighbourhood public toilets and £1.8 million to replace and upgrade urinals and APCs this year. 

Westminster has commissioned artist James Lambert to create murals in the toilets that will respond to the local areas. His artwork will include a sphinx at Embankment, inspired by George John Vulliamy’s statues, and references to the London Underground and landmarks like Big Ben

Here’s a sneak peak at the new lavvies. 

Sphinx mural at Embankment public toilets
Image: Hugh Broughton Architects
Big Ben pattern by James Lambert
Image: James Lambert

Oh dear: This beloved London tourist attraction is being moved because people keep urinating on it.

TfL is spending £15 million on building more free public toilets – with first six stations announced.

Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.

Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. 

Popular on Time Out

    More on Love Local
      You may also like
      You may also like
      Advertising