Work on the much anticipated (it was agreed 3 years ago) Changing Places Toilet Block in Preston Park, has started. The toilet will be situated at the back of the Rotunda Café and will provide better access for people with disabilities and accessibility concerns.
A new pathway is being laid, and unfortunately two Mulberry trees have had to be relocated. Hopefully they will survive, but the Council will replace them in the event they do not. The Brighton Permaculture Trust carefully removed them and relocated them to an area nearby. They will be monitored to ensure their survival.
It has been noted that the toilet block is modular, and therefore cannot be modified beforehand, however, it was agreed that the needs of some of the city’s residents would be met with its inclusion in the park. At least one bee brick will also be incorporated within the external wall in line with building regulations to encourage biodiversity. We also hope to plant around the area.
Current work entails:
Sectioning of the work area
Installation of Heras fencing
Preparing the groundwork for the foundation slab to be laid (machinery including diggers on site).
It is anticipated that the groundworks including pathways, foundation slab, and drainage works will last approximately 4 weeks. Works on the pre-fab building will commence once approval from planning on the external materials has been granted – this date is still yet to be finalised. It is envisaged that works are currently due to be completed by the end of June.