It’s set to get easier than ever for shoppers in North Shields town centre to spend a penny.
North Tyneside Council has revamped and brought back into use the former public toilets on Saville Street, which have been closed for several years.
The toilet block, which is located by the entrance to the Beacon Centre car park, has undergone a complete makeover with the existing wall tiles replaced with hygienic new boards, new cubicles and sinks, hand dryers and baby change facilities.
New internal and external doors have also been installed and the toilets have been completely redecorated.
The building is owned by NewRiver REIT who gave the council permission to complete the required refurbishment works.
Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE said: “I am delighted that we have been able to refurbish and bring these public toilets back into use.
“These facilities are much-needed in the town and it’s something residents and have visitors have told us they have wanted to see for some time.
“The team have done a fantastic job in transforming the toilets from being unused and pretty unpleasant to a bright, welcoming space and I’m sure they will be welcomed by everyone.
“This is another positive step forward in our ambitious plans to transform North Shields town centre and riverside into a place people want to live, work and visit.”
Sophie Shannon, Associate Director at NewRiver, said: “There are a number of requirements for a successful town centre and indeed accessible clean public facilities is certainly one of them. We were delighted to work with the Council to help them deliver the refurbished toilets.
“We expect there to be a surge in consumer activity in the town as the country emerges from the pandemic and the new facilities will no doubt be well received by locals.”
Finishing touches are now being made to the facilities, which will be maintained by the council and are expected to be open to the public from the start of next month (April).