Public Toilets in Edinburgh’s Parks

Edinburgh Skyline

The project aims to:

• Develop and Install Fully Accessible and Inclusive Public Toilets, including Changing Places facilities, which cater to people with complex and severe needs.
• Ensure Public Toilets are Welcoming, Safe, and Clean by maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety, making the facilities welcoming and comfortable for all users.
• Set a Standard and Framework for Future Public Toilet Development, establishing a benchmark for future developments within the city.
• Achieve Recognition for the Quality of Public Toilet Provision, indicating a commitment to maintaining high standards and improving user satisfaction.

Our Engagement Efforts

Since its project’s inception, the Thriving Green Space (TGS) team has actively engaged over 58 stakeholders to identify areas of intervention, such as operational initiatives, cleaning procedures, inclusive design, park-specific needs, accessibility, community and cultural integration, and sustainability.

Key Requirements for Public Toilets

As a result of the engagement sessions, local organizations, community groups, and key internal and external stakeholders have identified key requirements, categorised as follows: ensuring safety and comfort; designing for universal accessibility; fostering community engagement; Additional Features.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort:

• CCTV Surveillance and Regular Supervision
• Well-Lit Areas: Ensure all areas are brightly lit to minimise risks and promote a sense of safety.
• Proximity to Busy and Accessible Areas to Enhance feelings of safety and supervision.

Designing for Universal Accessibility:

• Inclusive Facilities for All: Including Equality Act (2010) compliant features and Changing Places facilities.
• Unisex and Family-Friendly Toilets: Cater to all genders and families.
• Educational Signage and Communication Boards: Offer clear and helpful information to assist all users.

Fostering Community Engagement:

• Involving Local Artists and Community Groups: Integrate artworks and features that reflect local culture and values.
• Creating Spaces that Promote Inclusivity: Foster a sense of ownership and pride among users.

Additional Features:

• Frequent and Reliable Cleaning Schedules: Ensure cleanliness through regular maintenance and sensor-based cleaning alerts.
• Eco-Friendly Designs: Implement green roofs, wildlife-friendly lighting, and efficient waste management systems.
• Technological Integration: Implement real-time feedback mechanisms and data-driven management for operations and maintenance.

Project Timeline and Dependencies:

It is important to recognise that obtaining the necessary planning permissions, influenced by the facilities' size, and coordinating with utility companies are significant tasks. These elements are often complex and time-consuming but are critical to the project's success. We are navigating these challenges with thorough planning and continuous dialogue with all parties involved. Due to project’s dependencies, we foresee to have the new facilities installed by the last quarter of 2024.

Mitigating Inconvenience:

We understand the inconvenience that this may cause to some members of the public. Recognising the potential disruptions, we have proactively arranged for temporary toilet facilities to be available from the beginning of Summer 2024, ensuring that your park visits remain comfortable until the project's completion.

FAQs

Which location did you identify for the toilets?

In November 2023, the Thriving Green Space team met with the Friends of Parks groups (Inverleith, The Meadows, and Leith Links) and the following locations were suggested prior to utility search, Root Protection Area survey, and budget constraints:

• Inverleith: Near the depot, along the hedge.

• The Meadows: Near the Cricket Pavilion, at the intersection between Jawbone Walk and Melville Drive.

• Leith Links: On the north side of the main connecting route E-W across the park, near the fence of the tennis courts.

What steps have been taken to identify the location at the Meadows? Who decided on the location for the toilets and what are the reasons?

In April 2024, the Thriving Green Space team conducted a site visit at the Meadows with Parks Officers, Woodland and Tree Officers, Landscape Architects from AtkinsRéalis, and the contractor Healthmatic. The suggested location identified in November 2023 was discarded for the following reasons:

• Tree Canopy and Root Protection Zone: To prevent damage to mature trees. The area presents an intricated tree canopy and upon analysis several trees would need to be removed to install the modular unit. The Meadows is a Conservation Area with a Tree Preservation Order. 

• Transportation Costs: Reducing costs associated with moving materials and equipment. A substantial crane would be required to install the modular toilet, leading to increase transportation and delivery costs.  and potential of tree removal would have to be done

• Utility Connections: Ensuring efficient and cost-effective utility connections.

• Visibility: Improving the visibility and accessibility of the toilets.

What steps have been taken to identify the location at Inverleith? Who decided on the location for the toilets and what are the reasons?

During a site visit in April 2024 with Landscape Architects from AtkinsRéalis and the contractor Healthmatic, the original location near the depot, along the hedge, was discarded due to the following reasons:

High Cost of Hardscaping. Significant costs involved in:

• Installing a retaining structure to support the level change between the footway and the site.

• Removing mature trees and a tall hedge blocking the footway.

• Formalising the existing access.

These factors would significantly affect the overall budget and ultimately compromise the fundamental key requirements for the public toilets project.

What steps have been taken to identify the location at Leith Links? Who decided on the location for the toilets and what are the reasons?

During a site visit in April 2024 with Landscape Architects from AtkinsRéalis and the contractor Healthmatic, the suggested location at Leith Links was deemed suitable due to its utility connections and plans for hedge removal.

Where will the new toilets be located? What are the benefits of the new locations?

Only The Meadows and Inverleith Parks will have their toilet’s locations changed for the reasons outlined above.

The Meadows

New Location: At the intersection of South Middle Meadow Walk near Melville Drive.

Benefits:

• Excellent visibility from a main road.

• Easy connection with utilities due to the presence of temporary toilets site nearby

• Allows for formalised access/egress routes for event vehicles.

• Provides additional toilet facilities in a busy area of the park.

• Supports local activities and events, providing convenient access for visitors.

• Designed to be accessible from all directions with minimal impact on the existing tree canopy, using light touch foundations.

• Easy access for maintenance and event vehicles.

Inverleith Park

New Location: Opposite of the MILK Kiosk, on the grass area

Benefits:

• Aligns with the new Inverleith Masterplan, which outlines improvements to path structure and connectivity that separates the primary walking and cycling connections from the maintenance vehicle access routes.

• Integrates with a new path connecting the improved entrance gateway to the central hub of the park.

The Introduction of Modular Toilets

In our effort to enhance public amenities within parks, the introduction of modular toilets stands out as a key initiative.

Specifically, modular toilets are:
• Expertly Crafted by Specialised Manufacturers and constructed off-site to ensuring each unit meets the highest standards of quality and functionality specifically tailored for public use.
• Customisable to Meet Diverse Needs, offering a variety of layouts and features to accommodate all users in a community setting.
• Versatile and Multi-functional to serve various community purposes, such as kiosks, storage spaces, providing more than just restrooms but a full-service solution to local needs

Did you explore other locations? More details on site investigation

Yes, we explored several locations before finalising the proposed sites. Here’s why some options were discarded:

The Meadows:

• Temporary Toilets Location: This site was discarded due to limited visibility from the road, restricted accessibility through nearby paths, and concerns that temporary toilets at this location might be requested for large events with substantial crowds.

• North Meadow Walk: This location faced issues such as an extensive tree canopy, lack of road service access, and safety concerns as the toilets would be hidden by the canopy. Additionally, installing toilets here would involve significant transportation and installation costs due to the need for turf protection and impact on tree roots. Visibility and utility connections were also problematic.

Inverleith:

• Near the MILK Kiosk: This site was discarded due to challenges including proximity to existing mature trees and a fence. The placement would have created a space behind the building that might be out of view, increasing the risk of anti-social behaviour.

• Other Locations Across the Park: Various other locations were considered but discarded due to issues such as lack of proximity to park activities, poor visibility, and lack of land ownership/management.

Leith Links:

• No further site investigation was conducted as proposed initial location was deemed suitable and in line with utility search and Leith Links activity Hub Masterplan.

What are you planning to do with the current toilet provisions?

As of July 2024:

The Meadows:

• Bruntsfield Links: Open from 10 am to 8 pm.
• East Meadows: The male toilet is currently under refurbishment.

Inverleith:

• There are no current public toilet provisions.

Leith Links:

• The existing toilet provision has been deemed unsafe. Plans are in place to develop this area into a Community Hub as part of the Leith Links masterplan.

Are public toilets permitted development in Parks?

The City of Edinburgh District Council Order Confirmation Act 1991 specifically addresses the types of buildings that are permitted in various parks, including the Meadows, Leith Links and Inverleith Park. According to Section 22 of the Act, the construction of public conveniences (public toilets) is explicitly allowed in parks. The relevant text from the Act is as follows:

Permitted Buildings:

• Bandstands
• Public conveniences (public toilets)
• Police boxes
• Buildings for housing apparatus for the supply of electricity or gas

This means that the construction of new public toilet facilities in parks is in compliance with the current legislation and does not require special consent from Parliament.

What are the features of each toilet?

Each toilet at both The Meadows, Inverleith and Leith Links will have:

• 2 individual cubicles, with grab rail, hand washing/drying facility, mirror, shelves, disposal bins and sanitising products,

• 3 urinals

• 1 Accessible Toilet in line with Equality Act

• 1 Changing Places facility. For more information about Changing Places, please visit Changing Places Toilets | PAMIS

• Tool Storage for Friends of Parks groups to have access to gardening tools to promote conservation and preservation initiatives of local green spaces

• Service Area for utility maintenance

• Café Kiosk

• Water Fountains

• Sedum Roof

• CCTV Camera

• LED Light

• Anti-vandal roof

• Water efficient management system

Are toilets free of charge?

Yes, the public toilets will be free of charge. Although toilets are not a statutory service—meaning councils across the UK are not legally obliged to provide them—the City of Edinburgh Council believes that access to public toilets is a basic human requirement. Greater access to toilets means greater access to local communities and the city, enhancing the overall quality of life.

We believe that charging for the use of public toilets would increase barriers to accessibility and inclusivity. To support the financial viability of building and maintaining these facilities, we have included a Café Kiosk in the design. This will not only generate revenue but also enhance supervision and provide a safer environment.

We seek to ensure that the public has safe and clean access to our new public toilets, and we hope you will join us in ensuring these facilities are well-kept.

What can I do to ensure public toilets are well maintained? How can I contribute?

The maintenance and upkeep of these new public toilets is a shared responsibility. While the City of Edinburgh Council is committed to providing and maintaining these facilities, we also rely on the community to help keep them clean and safe. By working together, we can ensure that everyone has access to well-maintained public toilets.

We encourage all users to:

• Respect the Facilities: Use the toilets properly and leave them as you would like to find them.

• Report Issues: Inform the council or relevant authorities if you notice any maintenance issues or vandalism.

• Support Community Efforts: Participate in community initiatives aimed at maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the public toilets.

Your cooperation and respect for these facilities will help us maintain a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. Thank you for your support and commitment to our community.

A special thank you to the organisations that have shaped and engaged in the Public Toilets Project:

PAMIS; Friends of Inverleith Park; Friends of The Meadows; Leith Links Working Group; TaylorEd Foundation; F.A.I.R; The Yard; The Ripple; Independent Carers; Scottish Trans; Edinburgh Women’s Aid; We Run Edinburgh; Police Scotland; Mecopp; Community Councillors; The Equally Safe Edinburgh Committee Lead Officer; The Children affected by disabilities Team Leader; Edinburgh Council’s Horticulture team; Edinburgh Council’s Maintenance and Cleanliness team; Edinburgh Council’s Parks & Greenspaces team; Providing Ongoing Ostomate Support (P.O.O.S) Scotland; WHALE Arts; Fit & Happy

This webpage is still under construction and more details will follow. For any enquiries or concerns about the project, please direct them to thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk   We will handle these centrally to ensure consistent and accurate information is provided.

Further reading and resources for you to read:

• Changing Places: the practical guide.

• A Public Inconvenience.  

• Public Toilets – How communities are responding to the closure of public toilets by Development Trusts Associations Scotland. 

• Around the Toilet. 

• Toilet Design Toolkit. 

• The Tokyo Toilet project. 

• Publicly Accessible Toilets: Problem Reduction Guide. 

• Marks and Spencer Gyle. Accessible toilet(s).