Public Restrooms on Parliament Street
Refurbished Public Toilets on Parliament Street Showcase Art and Modern Design
The refurbished public toilets beneath Parliament Street, connected to Westminster Underground Station via a pedestrian underpass, now offer a contemporary and inviting amenity in a high-traffic London location. This project, part of Westminster City Council's £12.7 million initiative to improve public toilet facilities across central Westminster, is a testament to durability, ease of maintenance, and enhanced user experience [1].
Artistically, the refurbishment incorporates a major new public artwork by James Lambert. Curated in collaboration with the Contemporary Art Society, this integration of art aims to elevate the aesthetic environment of what is typically a utilitarian space [1][2]. The artwork seeks to capture the energy of the area and to create a visual link between Parliament Street and Westminster Underground Station. The ceramic works feature abstracted motifs ranging from Big Ben icons and toy soldiers to graphic hands, Westminster Bridge arches, and references to civic protest [1].
The facilities now include modern, refitted male and female conveniences, baby changing units, on-site attendants, and upgraded public safety systems. Larger cubicles, ambulant WCs, and baby-changing facilities have been incorporated within both male and female toilets at Parliament Street. A new lighting scheme ensures the subterranean space feels bright and secure [2].
Hugh Broughton, director of Hugh Broughton Architects, expressed his privilege to work on a project in such a high-traffic and well-known location. Matt Smith, managing director at FM Conway, expressed his pride in building upon the success of the project on the Victoria Embankment and delivering another outstanding example of public architecture [2].
The Parliament Street project was designed by Hugh Broughton Architects and engineered by Harley Haddow. The Contemporary Art Society oversaw the integration of public art in the refurbishment project. The Victoria Embankment Public Conveniences, designed and delivered by the same team, serve as a precursor to this project [2].
The works are part of a wider initiative to upgrade eight public toilets across central Westminster. The entrance of the refurbished toilets on Parliament Street is marked by new ceramic works from artist James Lambert. Digital Ceramics screen-printed the tiles for the new ceramic works at Parliament Street [2].
Looking ahead, the refurbishment programme will continue later this year at Piccadilly Circus Underground Station. The artwork for the Piccadilly Circus site will reference Anteros' arrow, the tradition of music halls, and more recent entertainment venues [1]. This continuation of the project underscores Westminster City Council's commitment to improving public amenities and enhancing the cultural landscape of the city.
[1] Westminster City Council. (2022). Improving public toilet facilities across central Westminster. Retrieved from https://www.westminster.gov.uk/improving-public-toilet-facilities-across-central-westminster
[2] Westminster City Council. (2022). Parliament Street Toilets. Retrieved from https://www.westminster.gov.uk/parliament-street-toilets
Read also:
- Protecting Your Electrical Systems: Exploring Surge Protection Units
- Eliminating the lingering scent of smoke: Cleaning strategies and additional advice
- Epic Tale of Princess Kaguya: A Timeless Classic
- Davao Oriental explores innovative and non-traditional strategies to resolve energy and water shortage issues
