Public toilet revamp and 30p charge set to get the go ahead

The toilets at the West Pier Arches already have a charge

But the upgrades are also expected to include a 30p charge in 11 of the revamped toilets, which could be paid for with cash or contactless cards.

Deputy council leader Cllr Gill Mitchell said: “If the committee passes this recommendation it will mean our residents and tourist can look forward to beautifully refurbished, state of the art loos in our main city and seafront areas. £1.1m is a huge investment and it will transform our toilet facilities and ensure we’re providing loos that the city and its people can be proud of.”

The report to the policy, resources and growth committee recommends the introduction of a 30p charge at 11 sites: Blackrock; Goldstone Villas; Hove Lagoon; King Alfred; Kings Esplanade; Lower Promenade East; Lower Promenade West; Peter Pan; Royal Pavilion Gardens; The Colonnade; Western Esplanade.

Cllr Mitchell added: “The aim of the refurbishment programme and introduction of charging at some toilets is to prevent further toilet closures, as budgets continue to be cut, and will allow us to maintain all our toilets to a better standard.”

The upgrading of the public toilets will be jointly financed by the city council and its contractor Healthmatic who will provide £550,000 and £602,000 respectively.

The firm works with 160 local authorities in the UK to maintain, clean and refurbish public toilets.