Background Information
Constructed in the early 20th century the toilet block is in need of modernisation, following a structural survey highlighting issues with the building. An architect has provided designs to remodel the building for use as a unisex, accessible toilet with storage space to used by the Town Council.
A copy of the proposed designs can be seen here.
The Town Council are looking to gauge public opinion to the proposal and gather feedback from residents as to the preferred option of modernisation to aid Councillors with the final decision on the future of the building.
Please provide your feedback on the form, available here.
There are reserves in the Town Council's cemetery budget to cover all options.
The consultation is open from 10th October 2025 - 11th November 2025.
A public meeting will be held at the Greenacre Centre between 4pm and 8pm on the 22nd October 2025.
Please be aware of the following when assessing options:
The Order of Cost Estimates used in Option 1 – 3 are defined by the RICS as “the determination of the possible cost of a building early in the design stage in relation to the employer’s fundamental requirements…prior to the preparation of a full set of working drawings or bills of quantities and forms the initial build up to the cost planning process."
Please also note that these are the build costs only and do not include VAT or professional costs (design fees) or other costs associated with delivering this project.
Option 1 - Take down existing building and rebuild using reclaimed materials
This would involve carefully taking down the building by hand to identify all bricks and stone to allow for a faithful rebuild using the same materials.
This option carries the greatest risk and the longest timescale, requiring the attempt to re-source any equivalent materials from reclamation yards.
Will require the use of contractors experienced with working on heritage buildings.
The block retains its current historic look, however it can be remodelled internally to include the updated toilet facility and to give more storage space than in its current form.
Order of Cost Estimate: £250,000 - £350,000
Estimated Build Time: 9 - 15 months from start of work on site.
Option 2 - Demolish existing building and rebuild using new materials matching as closely as possible to the existing
Lower risk than option 1.
A new modern building is constructed in the same style as the existing.
Greater certainty of cost and timescales.
A wider pool of contractors would be available for this option there being no express need for the same level of heritage skills as required for option 1.
A high degree of skill would still be required given then need to replicate features.
This option would lead to the toilet block losing its original features, however, would allow for the creation of a new and modern facility with storage.
Order of Cost Estimate: £150,000 - £195,000
Estimated Build Time: 6 - 9 months from the start of work on site.
Option 3 - Retain existing building, undertake repairs and refit internally
The Town Council has been advised that the structural repairs required to "stabilise" the building are not complicated or extensive.
Potentially be the most economical solution.
Some risk (compared to option 2) since there is always a degree of uncertainty when undertaking repairs to an existing building.
The professional fees are also likely to be more expensive with this option given the need to undertake further surveys and inspections.
Furthermore, a similar amount of money would need to be spent on this option just to extend the life of the existing facility.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher with this option.
Order of Cost Estimate: £125,000 - £170,000
Estimated Build Time: 9 - 12 months from start of work on site.
Option 4 - Waterless and composting toilet
This option would lead to the demolition of the block and will be replaced with a temporary unit housing a compostable toilet.
This allows for low-cost option to provide a facility at the cemetery however would mean an alternative storage solution would be obtained, which would be an additional cost.
Cost Estimate: £11,995
Installation: £3,000 - £4,000
Demolition: £3,000 - £15,000