By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
A public toilet in the heart of Mansfield town centre could reopen under new council plans.
Labour-run Mansfield District Council has confirmed it is exploring the possibility of reopening the toilets at the Old Town Hall, off Market Place and Exchange Row.
The toilets had been central to the town but have been closed for a number of years.
Speaking in the full council meeting on Tuesday (July 4), Cllr Stuart Richardson (Lab), portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The town centre team are working to reopen the accessible toilet on Exchange Row at the side of the Old Town Hall with a 20p charge to deter vandalism.
“However, as a Grade II listed building, any works to the toilets must meet conservation guidance and gain listed building consent, as well as routine accessibility and health and safety guidance.
“The specification of works has been prepared and supplied to the conservation officer for feedback. As soon as the relevant authority is in place, the council will be looking to progress these works.”
He added funding has also been secured to provide “fully-equipped” ‘Changing Places’ toilet facilities in Mansfield’s Museum and the Four Seasons Shopping Centre.
These are part of a Government-backed scheme and are larger, more accessible toilets for people with disabilities.
They regularly include supportive equipment like hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.
“These toilets must be operational by April 2024 in compliance with the terms of funding,” Cllr Richardson added.
“The council has gone out to tender on the works for the Four Seasons and bids are currently being evaluated and the specification for the toilets at the museum are being finalised.”
His comments came after concerns were raised regarding the number of accessible public toilets in the town centre.
Posing a question during the meeting, Cllr Ben Brown (Con), who represents the West Bank Ward, said: “A fundamental requirement for the success of Mansfield town centre is the availability of public toilets, particularly for residents who are elderly, disabled, those with small children, and parents that require baby changing facilities.
“Mansfield town centre now only has one set of public toilets in the Four Seasons, at the back end of town.
“There are none in the central marketplace area. Undoubtedly, the lack of public toilets is a factor when people consider visiting our town centre. It is an unacceptable barrier to the success of our town centre.
“What immediate action is the council taking to rectify the unacceptable lack of availability of town centre public toilets?”
He also asked: “Given we’re having to wait until April next year, what can be done in the meantime to bridge the gap [until the Changing Places toilets are built]?”
In response, Cllr Richardson added: “The new Changing Places facilities are something that aren’t available to a lot of towns the size of Mansfield.”
He also pointed out standard public toilets are available in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield Museum, Mansfield Library and both the bus and railway stations.
