Westminster opens the first of eight newly refurbished public conveniences

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Westminster City Council has reopened the newly upgraded public conveniences on the Victoria Embankment. These enhanced facilities, essential for the health and wellbeing of our local communities and visitors, feature a redesigned, clean and accessible layout. The upgrade is part of a wider transformation programme across Westminster, that reflects the council’s commitment to improved public toilet provision across the city. Through this investment the council is seeking to incorporate the highest standards of modern design and showcase new public artwork inspired by the local area.

The transformed site now includes refitted women’s and men’s facilities, an onsite attendant, as well as disabled access and a Changing Places toilet. Changing Places toilets go beyond standard accessible toilets; they are larger facilities equipped with a changing bench and a hoist to support disabled people who need assistance. The inclusion of these essential facilities ensures a fairer Westminster for residents and visitors alike, enhancing the value of these important upgrade works.

As a global hub for culture and tourism, the City of Westminster requires a strong infrastructure of services to support its multitude of outdoor spaces and public attractions. The overhaul of this key site supports wider initiatives to enhance public amenities and encourage more people to enjoy the Thames Riverside.

Coinciding with the 150-year anniversary of the opening of Victoria Embankment Gardens, the City of Westminster had a bold creative vision for the refurbishments in Victoria Embankment, aiming to strike a suitable balance of form and function.

The City of Westminster appointed FM Conway, its delivery partner, to carry out the works. FM Conway was supported by the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatic, Hugh Broughton Architects, and M&M Moran for their specialist expertise on different phases of the works.

Artist James Lambert was commissioned to creatively integrate artwork throughout each distinct site. The Victoria Embankment facility welcomes visitors with a large artwork inspired by the nearby sphinx statues, as well as reference to the London Underground and Victoria Embankment Gardens. Inside the building the artwork continues, complemented by ‘Westminster Blue’ tiles and offset by lighter tones on the floor and ceiling. From the three-in-one integrated sinks through to the anti-fingerprint linen and platin finish on the metal cubicle doors, the facilities have been designed and built to be robust and long lasting.

The Embankment site is part of a wider refurbishment programme covering eight public conveniences across Westminster. The next site to be delivered is one of the City of Westminster’s busiest public conveniences, situated beneath Parliament Street and linked via the subway to Westminster Underground Station. It will feature artwork that draws on the high energy of the area and includes the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.

Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, said:

“I am thrilled to officially reopen the Victoria Embankment public toilets, which now features stunning public artwork celebrating the vibrant character of our city.

“As part of our £12.7 million investment across eight public toilets in the West End, we are proud to provide high-quality, accessible facilities that not only serve the community’s needs but also contribute to the cultural landscape of Westminster.

“This exciting development is part of our broader commitment to enhance public spaces for residents and visitors alike.”

Matt Smith, Managing Director, FM Conway said:

“I was delighted that the City of Westminster turned to FM Conway when they needed a trusted partner to deliver this important programme of works. After months of rigorous consultation and design development, I’m happy to see the first of these facilities, at Victoria Embankment, being completed and brought into public use.

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding and valuable contributions made by our professional delivery partners including the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy, Harley Haddow, Healthmatic, Hugh Broughton Architects, M&M Moran, and, not least, our project Artist James Lambert.”