South Parade public toilets refurbished

The work saw the toilets, tiles, lighting, and hand-washing and -drying facilities removed and replaced, along with the rooms repainted and a baby changing facility installed.

As part of the refurbishment, the two-cubicle facility has been converted from ladies-only to unisex. The facility is also now accessible to people with disabilities.

The work, which was carried out by Oxford City Council’s Direct Services, is part of the Council’s £600,000 three-year programme to refurbish every City Council public toilet in the city centre.

South Parade public toilets were the penultimate facilities to receive a refurbishment. Later this year Magdalen Street public toilets will be revamped.

In October 2015, the Council triumphed at the prestigious Loo of the Year Awards – with all 10 toilets entered into the competition winning the Gold Standard.

Councillor John Tanner, Board Member for Cleaner, Greener Oxford, said: “In 2012 the people of Oxford told us that they wanted their money invested to improve the city’s public toilets. Now, four years later, we have some of the best toilets in the country.”

Councillor Jean Fooks, councillor for Summertown ward, said: “I am delighted that this work has been done to provide a much-needed unisex facility here. The cubicles look really good and are well worth a visit to admire the décor!”

Councillor Andrew Gant, councillor for Summertown ward, said: “Summertown is an attractive and varied place to come and shop, eat, and relax. This facility makes it even better for all residents and visitors.”