Mayor officially opens new super loos

1.22.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Dec 2008

Nick Bache, director of developer, Kier (left) hands the key to the new building to Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith with David Howarth MP (centre left) and Mayor Mike Dixon (centre right).

Cambridge's new super loos were officially opened today (Monday) by Mayor Mike Dixon, marking the successful conclusion of an ambitious "state of the art" project.

The timber-framed building in Chesterton Road replaces the original 1960s toilets and boasts a recycling centre and impressive riverside office.

Lib Dems launched the project as part of a major modernisation programme of public toilets after residents told them time and time again that they were the biggest problem facing the city.

MP David Howarth, who was city council leader when the project was first discussed, said: "This is a great demonstration of local democracy. The council asked people what should be its top priority and public toilets came out on top two years running. They said that the service was in decline, money should be spent on it and the council should be delivering services that the public actually wanted.

"Cllr Nichola Harrison went on to put together this amazing programme of architectural masterpieces."

The building is designed as two interlocking leaf shapes, with a zinc roof and underground tanks to harvest rainwater for flushing the toilets. It includes recycled glass insulation, sun pipes to bring in natural light and recycling bins which are stored below ground but can be brought up automatically when they need emptying.

The £500,000 cost of the project not only covers the toilets and the recycling centre but also a rentable office space and improved services for four long established river moorings which will earn income for the council and eventually pay for the project.

City council leader, Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith said: "This development is a great improvement which takes advantage of its location. The building is unique and iconic and it underlines our concern for sustainability and our carbon footprint."

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