Portable toilets have been installed on Plymouth's Armada Way, a recently renovated thoroughfare, due to a persistent drainage issue that has kept the public conveniences closed since January. This temporary measure, put in place by Plymouth City Council, aims to address the problem while the contractors, Morgan Sindall, work on resolving the drainage issue. The council's spokesperson acknowledged the inconvenience, attributing it to the need for sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) improvements. The SUDs system is a key component of the £30 million regeneration project, designed to manage rainwater and reduce pressure on the aging sewer system.
The closure of the toilets has been necessary to allow for the installation of filtration and control systems within an unused storage room. This work is part of a broader effort to enhance the city's main thoroughfare, which includes the installation of huge pipes to divert rainwater and surface water away from the drainage system. The council has also addressed concerns about the water feature, reiterating that it is ornamental and not a play area, and warning that it will eventually turn green, making it less appealing for recreational use.
The regeneration of Armada Way, which began in 2024, has been a significant undertaking, with the original scheme costing £12.7 million. However, the new design led to a cost increase, making it one of the largest public realm projects in the country. The council's decision to close the toilets during the renovation was a strategic move to ensure the project's success, despite the temporary inconvenience it caused. The public will have to make do with portable toilets until the issue is fully resolved, with the nearest public facilities located in Plymouth Market and Drake Circus Shopping Centre.
