Cambridge to get Japanese-style squat toilets
Squat toilets are to be introduced as part of the redevelopment of council-run Cambridge conveniences.
A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of Silver Street toilets and the proposal includes the fitting of three far eastern-style cubicles with squat loos.
Many of Cambridge’s coach tourists arrive in the city from countries like Japan who will be familiar with the squatting concept of using such a loo.
The new basement arrangement of the development offers three male cubicles and up to seven female cubicles, two of which are centrally located and can be used as gender neutral cubicles. There will also be space for four male urinals.
The new facility will also consist of a disabled toilet, baby changing table, and a kiosk - as a concession or information point.
But will critics pan the inclusion of squat toilets in the plans?
Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for climate change, environment and city centre, said the proposals showed that squat toilets were considered to be ‘innovative’ for the city.
She said: “The toilets at Silver Street are situated at the heart of one of Cambridge’s most visited areas.
“It is therefore essential that they meet the requirements of the thousands of people using them each year.
“The planning application puts forward some innovative proposals that will meet the needs of visitors and residents while remaining sensitive to the historic location.”
The council insists the Silver Street toilets have become outdated and costly to maintain and less able to cope with high demand, particularly from the daily volumes of coach tour visitors to the city centre.
The toilets are situated close to the Queen’s Road drop-off point for coaches carrying visitors to Cambridge. They are located below the street at river level and this makes them susceptible to flooding and temporary closures as a result.
The planning application proposes a new lightweight structure on Silver Street bridge which will replace the existing disabled toilet.
The application proposes upgrading the existing facility to provide for 15 users in total (current provision is 14).
Providing for disabled people, gender-neutral people, preserving the integrity and character of the historic location and being sensitive to the need to protect the local environment are all priorities for the redevelopment. Other important considerations are social inclusion, the use of sustainable building materials, layout and minimal water use.
A few proposed design options were submitted by competing architect practices for the redevelopment following an open selection process. The independent Cambridge Design and Conservation Panel reviewed the submitted designs options which were also consulted upon by Historic England.
Gort Scott’s minimal design to the above ground streetscape was selected as the basis of the planning application that has been submitted. The firm has a previous award-winning scheme recently completed in Cambridge at 51 Hills Rd and has built a landmark public toilet facility outside Wembley Stadium.
Subject to the planning application being approved and a successful procurement process, construction is expected to start in autumn 2020. The existing toilets will then close for approximately four months while the works are underway.
Silver Street bridge was designed by renowned architect Edward Lutyens in the 1930s and built in the 1950s, is Grade II listed. The existing toilets were built in 1985.
Proposed transgender women use of toilets saw resignations from the city council last year, with Ann Sinnott, a former labour councillor for Petersfield, suggesting that the decision could put women and girls in danger.
But her stance was sharply criticised by other councillors including transgender Lib Dem Zoe O’Connell, who insisted Cambridge was a welcoming place for trans people.
