{"id":778132,"date":"2025-03-14T07:25:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T07:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=778132"},"modified":"2025-03-14T14:57:39","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T14:57:39","slug":"hugh-broughton-architects-completes-first-of-westminster-public-toilet-upgrades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/buildings\/hugh-broughton-architects-completes-first-of-westminster-public-toilet-upgrades","title":{"rendered":"Hugh Broughton Architects completes first of Westminster public toilet upgrades"},"content":{"rendered":"

The design of the revamped facility at Victoria Embankment incorporates a large artwork by artist James Lambert at its entrance, inspired by the nearby sphinx statues.<\/p>\n

Inside the building the artwork continues, complemented by \u2018Westminster Blue\u2019 tiles and offset by lighter tones on the floor and ceiling. From the three-in-one integrated sinks through to the anti-fingerprint finish on the metal cubicle doors, the facilities have been designed and built to be robust and long-lasting.<\/p>\n

The upgraded facility now includes refitted women\u2019s and men\u2019s facilities, an onsite attendant, as well as disabled access and a Changing Places toilet.<\/p>\n

Changing Places toilets go beyond standard accessible toilets; they are larger facilities equipped with a changing bench and a hoist to support disabled people who need assistance.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Embankment site is part of a wider refurbishment programme covering eight public conveniences across Westminster. The entire architectural scheme aims to improve layouts and provides a robust material palette which reflects Westminster\u2019s commitment to the public realm.<\/p>\n

The next site to be delivered is one of the City of Westminster\u2019s busiest public conveniences, situated beneath Parliament Street and linked via the subway to Westminster Underground Station. It will feature artwork also by Lambert drawing on the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.<\/p>\n

Other loos at Grade II-Listed Piccadilly Circus and Green Park will be revamped this year, with plans for Carnaby Street, Westminster Pier, Covent Garden and Leicester Square being undertaken next year.<\/p>\n

Hugh Broughton Architects was commissioned for the project alongside toilet management company\u00a0Healthmatic<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Contemporary Art Society<\/a>. The project was announced by Westminster City Council on World Toilet Day<\/a> (19 November) last year.<\/p>\n

The project comes during a public toilet crisis in London, and across the UK. In November 2023, the AJ published a piece by urban health and planning advocate Clare Delmar, arguing that architects are needed to help realise and revitalise new public conveniences<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Architect\u2019s view<\/h3>\n

The refurbishment of the public toilets on Victoria Embankment mark an exciting stage in Westminster City Council\u2019s programme to upgrade eight sites in central London. The completed project includes high-quality, durable finishes, accessible facilities and a stunning artwork by James Lambert, which extends through the male and female facilities and represents key features of the local context. Overall this is a fantastic investment in the public realm, drawing inspiration from public facilities of the Victorian era and demonstrating Westminster\u2019s commitment to creating facilities which are robust, sustainable and charming.
\nHugh Broughton, director, Hugh Broughton Architects<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Contractor\u2019s view<\/h3>\n

I was delighted that the City of Westminster turned to FM Conway when they needed a trusted partner to deliver this important programme of works. After months of rigorous consultation and design development, I\u2019m happy to see the first of these facilities, at Victoria Embankment, being completed and brought into public use. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding and valuable contributions made by our professional delivery partners, including the Contemporary Art Society Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatics, Hugh Broughton Architects, M&M Moran, and, not least, our project artist, James Lambert.
\nMatt Smith, managing director, FM Conway<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Art consultant\u2019s view<\/h3>\n

The Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy is proud to have introduced the artist James Lambert to this important City of Westminster commission to work alongside Westminster City Council, FM Conway and Hugh Broughton Architects, in the rejuvenation of Westminster\u2019s public toilet facilities. Inspired by the design detail invested in London\u2019s sewer network by Joseph Bazalgette, the Victorian engineer who masterminded the system; Lambert\u2019s distinctive lexicon of imagery seeks to distil the multifaceted identities of London. Through location-specific contemporary and historical references at each public toilet location, his striking designs highlight the hidden, overlooked or previously under-represented.
\nColin Ledwith, head of consultancy, Contemporary Art Society<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

\n

Client\u2019s view<\/h3>\n

I am thrilled to officially reopen the Victoria Embankment public toilets, which now features stunning public artwork celebrating the vibrant character of our city. As part of our \u00a312.7 million investment across eight public toilets in the West End, we are proud to provide high-quality, accessible facilities that not only serve the community\u2019s needs but also contribute to the cultural landscape of Westminster. This exciting development is part of our broader commitment to enhance public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
\nRyan Jude, cabinet member, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0<\/span>\"\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Project data<\/h3>\n

Location<\/strong> Victoria Embankment, London
\nStart on site<\/strong> June 2024
\nCompletion<\/strong>\u00a0February 2025
\nGross internal floor area<\/strong> 93m\u00b2
\nGross (internal + external) floor area<\/strong> 140m\u00b2
\nForm of contract<\/strong>\u00a0NEC3
\nArchitect<\/strong> Hugh Broughton Architects
\nArtist<\/strong> James Lambert
\nClient<\/strong> Westminster City Council
\nStructural engineer<\/strong> Harley Haddow
\nM&E consultant<\/strong> Harley Haddow
\nQS<\/strong> Jackson Coles
\nArt consultant<\/strong> Contemporary Arts Society
\nProject manager<\/strong> Healthmatic
\nPrincipal designer<\/strong> Hugh Broughton Architects
\nCDM co-ordinator<\/strong> FM Conway
\nApproved building inspector<\/strong> Westminster City Council
\nMain contractor<\/strong> FM Conway
\nRefurbishment contractor<\/strong> M&M Moran
\nCAD software used<\/strong> Revit<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The design of the revamped facility at Victoria Embankment incorporates a large artwork by artist James Lambert at its entrance, inspired by the nearby sphinx statues. Inside the building the artwork continues, complemented by \u2018Westminster Blue\u2019 tiles and offset by lighter tones on the floor and ceiling. From the three-in-one integrated sinks through to the …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32845,"featured_media":778309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"categories":[706],"tags":[1324,101542,101543,101544,1849],"yoast_head":"\nHugh Broughton Architects completes first of Westminster public toilet upgrades<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hugh Broughton has completed the upgrade of WCs at Victoria Embankment, part of a wider programme covering eight public conveniences across the City of Westminster\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/buildings\/hugh-broughton-architects-completes-first-of-westminster-public-toilet-upgrades\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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