Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is proposing to improve and modernise the toilet facilities on the Clifton approach to the Bridge. These toilets are made available by the Trust for public use for visitors to the Bridge, the nearby play area and Downs.
Following Bristol City Council’s policy of closing the majority of its public toilets in Bristol, the responsibility and the costs of managing and maintaining the toilet block was taken on by the Trust. The building was, however, handed back in a poor state of repair and is no longer fit for purpose. There is therefore a need to repair the fabric of the building and renew the facilities. This has become more urgent in response to challenges of delivering a safe environment in light of the Covid 19 pandemic.
The Trust have appointed Chris Goodsall Architects to draw up a concept design prior to submitting a planning application. The building is not listed and minimal changes are being proposed to the external appearance.
The proposal is to re-design the internal layout to provide two modern, unisex cubicles and one accessible toilet including baby change facilities, all individually accessed externally. This reconfiguration will enable the remaining area to be used as an education space for groups and school parties visiting the Bridge and a small kiosk, which will be run by the Trust. The kiosk will sell souvenirs of the bridge and offer a hatch-style take-away service for snacks such as drinks, sandwiches and cakes. No alcohol licence will be sought. This activity will generate much-needed income to support the operation and maintenance of the facilities while also providing an element of supervision and surveillance of their ongoing use. These arrangements should allow the Trust to continue its sponsorship of these facilities.
The toilets will continue to be available to the public during daylight hours and the kiosk will serve daily from 10am – 5pm, in keeping with the opening hours of the main Visitor Centre.
Going forward, the Trust is looking to submit a planning application in the new year. Subject to a planning consent the Trust expects to start on site early and complete the works within 12 weeks.
Your opinion
We would love to know your thoughts about the concept design. We welcome feedback on these proposals from the local community and other stakeholders, which will help inform the final scheme which will be submitted for planning. The closing date for submitting feedback is 11 December 2020.
If you would like a paper version of the survey, please download and print the pdf and post to: Avril Baker Consultancy, 126 Somerset Road, Bristol BS4 2JB.
Alternatively if you have any other comments or queries about the proposal please get in touch by either calling ABC on 0117 977 2002 or emailing info@abc-pr.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
The Project
- When will the building works start?
Subject to a planning consent and appointment of a contractor, it is expected that the works will start in Easter 2021.
- How long will the works take?
The works should take no longer than twelve weeks.
- What will the contractor’s working hours be?
As per other contractors on the bridge, the working hours would be 07.30am to 6.00pm.
- Will there be any replacement interim temporary toilets (e.g. portacabins) during the works?
Due to limited space, there will not be replacement facilities. However, toilets will be available in the Visitor Centre (subject to Covid-19 restrictions)
- Will there be any restrictions accessing the bridge during this time?
No, we do not anticipate any restrictions on accessing the bridge.
- When will the new toilets, kiosk and education room be open for use?
We hope the new facilities will be open in late Summer – subject to planning and contracts.
Toilets
- How many toilets will be provided?
Two modern unisex cubicles and one accessible toilet with baby & adult changing will be provided.
- What hours will the new toilets be open?
The toilets will continue to be available to the public during daylight hours.
- Will there be a charge for using the new toilets?
We do not anticipate a charge at the current time but this is under review.
- Will there be a disabled toilet?
Yes, there will be an accessible toilet with baby & adult changing.
- Will there be a baby changing facility?
Yes, within the accessible toilet.
- Why are the toilets unisex?
This will be more convenient for anyone who needs assistance from someone of a different gender or sex (e.g.: family visitors).
Kiosk
- What will the kiosk sell?
The kiosk will be open during the day and will sell souvenirs such as bridge guidebooks and postcards, along with take-away snacks such as drinks, sandwiches and cakes.
- Will the kiosk hold a licence to sell alcohol?
No licence to sell alcohol will be sought.
- When will it be open? Will it be seasonal?
The kiosk will serve daily from 10am – 5pm, in keeping with the opening hours of the main Visitor Centre.
- How and when will deliveries be received?
Deliveries will be received in the Maintenance Yard on the Leigh Woods side of the bridge and taken over by staff.
- How will waste and litter be managed?
Bins will be provided and emptied on a regular basis by staff.
Education space
- Who will be able to use the education space?
The education space will be available to groups and school parties visiting the Bridge.
- Will I be able to book the education space? If so, is there a charge?
To avoid clashes, groups will have to pre-book the space. There is likely to be a charge as we are a charity and it would be a means of obtaining support.
- What hours will the education space be used?
This will be in line with the opening times of the Visitor Centre.
- Will the education space be accessible?
Yes, it will be accessible and is all on one floor.
Cost, funding & jobs
- How much will this project cost?
In the region of £150,000
- How are the project and building works being funded?
The work is being funded by the Trust’s reserves.
- Where will the income from the kiosk go?
The income will go to maintaining and cleaning the toilets for public use and to the provision of education services.
- Will the project create any new jobs?
There is the possibility that a new job would be created in the running of the kiosk.
Concept designs for proposed improvements
Download pdf of Concept Design
PDF File: 189.1 KBPrintable consultation survey
CSBT Consultation Survey Nov 2020
PDF File: 52.4 KB