Elected Member Briefing - Future use of surplus public toilets

About this Briefing Note

Report by: David Littlejohn - Strategic Lead, Economy, Development & Planning

EMBN Number: 024-24

Date: 15 March 2024

Subject: Future use of surplus public toilets

Responsible Officer: Jonathan Janes, Team Leader, Estates and Commercial Investment

Details

Purpose

To update Elected Members on the proposed disposals of surplus public toilets in Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Crieff and Perth.  

Briefing Information

In reference to Elected Member Briefing Note 097-23, we would like to provide a further update to Elected Members on the proposed disposals of the four public toilets that were declared surplus on 15 February 2024.  

As discussed at the annual budget setting meeting on 1 March 2023, it was agreed that the Council would retain the highest footfall attended public toilets (Pitlochry and Dunkeld) but close all other attended toilets; the Council would look at ways of providing alternative provision via Perth & Kinross Comfort Scheme Partners.  

Four attended public toilets are closing, at the following locations: 

Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie 

The local Development Trust have been clear that they wish to ensure continued provision of public toilets at this location. Officers are working towards granting a lease of the asset to the Trust from 1 April 2024 to give them the best opportunity to take over the operation of the toilets without any closure. As of 14 March 2024, lease heads of terms were close to being agreed. There has been some delay to this process following an arson attack within the disabled toilet compartment in the first week in March 2024. The Council has committed to carry out the necessary repair works. If the lease Date of Entry has to be postponed to accommodate repairs completion, the Council has committed to keeping the remainder of the facility operational and open to the public beyond 31 March 2024 until repairs have been completed. 

Waste Services are currently seeking additional Comfort Scheme Partners within this area and an update will be provided in due course. 

High Street/Crown Inn Wynd, Auchterarder 

There have been enquires covering a variety of uses, including a proposal from Auchterarder Picturehouse Crew to operate public toilets with an art installation element. There has also been a proposal from Cash Access UK to operate a community banking hub. 

Comfort Scheme Partners Cafe Kisa (127-129 High Street) and The Niblick public house (2 Crown Court) have extended their toilet facility provision to being on a year-round basis. While Waste Services expect these arrangements will provide sufficient coverage, if feedback is received from members of the public or Elected Members that additional provision is required, additional Comfort Scheme Partners may be sought in this area. 

James Square, Crieff  

There has been initial community interest in the asset with a view to retaining its function as a public toilet. Discussions will continue in this regard.  

The Square Bar & Kitchen (35 James Square) and Chocolate Galley (18-20 West High Street) are existing Comfort Scheme Partners. While Waste Services expect these arrangements will provide sufficient coverage, if feedback is received from members of the public or Elected Members that additional provision is required, additional Comfort Scheme Partners may be sought in this area. 

Marshall Place, Perth  

There has been no confirmed interest at the time of writing. 

Perth Museum (St John's Place) and Perth Art Gallery (George Street) are Comfort Scheme Partners in the City centre. While Waste Services expect these arrangements will provide sufficient coverage, if feedback is received from members of the public or Elected Members that additional provision is required, additional Comfort Scheme Partners may be sought in this area. 

Approach to Disposal 

There has been a clear proposal from Blairgowrie & Rattray Development Trust to continue operating the Wellmeadow toilets, and this has the backing of the Council; on this basis officers are in the process of granting a lease of the toilets to the Trust. 

However: 

• In Auchterarder there are multiple proposals for the High Street/Crown Inn Wynd toilets. 

• In Crieff there is desire from the local community to continue to provide public toilets in James Square, but no groups have yet put forward a proposal. 

• In Perth there has been no interest in the Marshall Place toilets. 

Officers believe it is necessary to implement a consistent disposal process to ensure that local communities are represented and given the opportunity to develop a community-led solution. Therefore, the Council will allocate a reasonable period - six months commencing on the date of this Briefing Note - in which community groups and groups whose proposals would provide a community benefit can submit their proposals to the Council regarding these surplus properties. Where multiple proposals are received for a particular property, officers will undertake a scoring exercise to choose the preferred proposal, this exercise being informed where possible by evidence of the local community's identified needs and preference. Where no viable proposals are brought forward, the Council would seek to bring surplus assets to the open market or auction at the earliest opportunity and report back to Members in the appropriate manner.