Montpellier Gardens public toilets refurbishment is on a roll

Once completed, the newly refurbished block will offer residents and visitors an equal number of male and female toilets, two gender neutral toilet facilities and a Changing Places toilet.

Work is being carried out by preferred suppliers Midlands Building and Maintenance Limited, following approval of the final concept design in April 2023 and budget approval in February 2024.

Cllr Iain Dobie, cabinet member for waste, recycling and street services, said: "Aiming to make all that Cheltenham has to offer as accessible as possible to everyone is something which this council not only believes in, but actively promotes.

“The refurbishment and upgrade of Montpellier Gardens toilets, located at the heart of our festival town, represents a key step towards delivering on this principle of fairness.’’

Montpellier Gardens toilets are one of eight public toilets in the town centre which are owned and operated by the council.

The toilets will be closed to the public from Tuesday 2 April 2024, with alternative facilities available in Imperial Gardens until the new refurbished facility opens in early autumn 2024.

There is currently a Changing Places facility within the John Lewis store on Cheltenham High Street and second council owned facility at Pittville Park, next to the play area, refreshment kiosk and the existing public toilets, enabling more families to enjoy the area.

For information about public toilets in Cheltenham, visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/public-toilets-directory.

For more information, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231, email [email protected].

Notes

Changing Places facilities offer larger, accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, shower facilities, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers. They have a non-slip floor, large waste bins for disposable items, a centrally placed toilet with extra room on each side and a screen or curtain to allow for extra privacy.

The recently approved corporate plan 2023-24 recognises the importance of continued investment in the town centre and the progress made on bringing this much needed project forward is the result of work undertaken by the council in consultation with key stakeholders such as the Disability Forum.