Work begins on-site at Silver Street WCs in Cambridge

Starting on-site next month: The reuse and refurbishment of Silver Street public toilets in Cambridge City Centre.

The scheme includes providing a new above ground accessible toilet block alongside refurbishing the existing below ground facilities. The proposed public toilets take the form of a small, lightweight pavilion that sits atop a concrete base on Silver Street bridge. The filigree metalwork draws inspiration from the work of the silversmiths that historically occupied the street.

Being largely located beneath the street at river level, the existing facilities suffer from poor and congested access and are currently closed due to maintenance issues.

The proposed above ground structure occupies a smaller area than the existing toilets and contains a wheelchair-accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. A cylindrical rooflight draws natural light into the space below. The existing below ground toilets are rearranged and refurbished and a new stair enclosure provided at street level. The design is driven by inclusive values and an aspiration to support the needs of all users, from the organisation of space to signage and management systems.