Public Toilets in Parks Project Update - February 2025

What’s New?

The final landscape designs for the areas surrounding the new toilet facilities have been completed, focusing on:

• Accessibility: Smooth pathways and user-friendly layouts to ensure ease of movement for all park visitors.
• Functionality: Inclusion of seating areas, bike racks, and external water taps to support tree and green roof maintenance.
• Integration: Designs that harmonize with the unique characteristics of each park, enhancing both aesthetics and navigation.

These designs were developed in collaboration with park users, community groups, subject experts and officers, ensuring they reflect both practical needs and local priorities.

Project Timeline

We are pleased to announce the construction schedule for each site:

• The Meadows:
  • Works Start Date: 26th February 2024
  • Toilet Installation: Week commencing 25th March 2024
  • Completion Date: 1st May 2024
• Inverleith Park:
  • Works Start Date: 25th March 2024
  • Toilet Installation: Week commencing 22nd April 2024
  • Completion Date: 29th May 2024
• Leith Links:
  • Works Start Date: 8th April 2024
  • Toilet Installation: Week commencing 6th May 2024
  • Completion Date: 12th June 2024

Please note that lighting and CCTV camera installations will take place after the main construction phases. We are coordinating with the respective teams and will provide updates once schedules are confirmed.

Landscape Specification & Furniture

The landscape specification details on the materials and features that will be installed are:

• Benches with arm rest in FSC treated wood
• External Water Tap for trees and plants watering – Pillar standpipe
• Litter Bin customised for Edinburgh
• Sheffield Cycle Stand with tapping bar - baseplate fixing

Below pictures The Meadows – Inverleith Parks – Leith Links

 

Community-Centred Design

Our commitment to community involvement remains strong. The designs incorporate feedback from local groups and park users, ensuring the facilities meet current and future needs. Key features include:

• Sustainability: Energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and sedum roofs to minimise environmental impact.
• Inclusivity: Unisex and fully accessible cubicles, grab rails, baby changing stations, and Equality Act-compliant features.
• Support for Park Maintenance: Dedicated storage areas for tools and water to assist Park Officers in maintaining the parks.

Next Steps

On-site signage and communication will need to be coordinated with Park Officers and on-site teams to provide clear updates on construction activities, minimise disruption, and ensure park users are aware of ongoing works.

The Project Team is now focusing on delivering the construction phase, implement signage and way finders at The Meadows, Inverleith Park and Leith Links, while working across departments to update web pages and co-develop a maintenance plan for the new toilets.

As we progress, we will continue to engage with the community to ensure the new facilities serve everyone's needs. Regular updates will be provided on our website, including any changes to the schedule and upcoming milestones.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this project, feel free to reach out to us at thrivinggreenspace@edinburgh.gov.uk

To view the new public toilet design and features, visit the dedicated page.