Disused block of public toilets could become community hub thanks to £50K grant from Mayor of London

The building in South Lodge Avenue has not been used for many years and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

Thanks to £50,000 grant from the Mayor of London work is now in the early stages of coming up with a plan to revamp the building.

Merton Council is currently running a public consultation on the scheme working with a design team led by Okra.

The council was previously lobbied by residents to do something with the building in the centre of Pollards Hill.

Now locals have the chance to have their say on what they want to see the bus stop toilet block turned into until Saturday, May 1.

This is just phase one of the project to find out what is wanted and needed in the area.

It is expected that this summer a list of options will be ready with phase three planned for autumn when a detailed design will be drawn up.

The toilet block has been closed for decades and last month was cleared inside. It is split into two halves –  urinals still stand in the men’s side and toilet cubicles in the women’s side.

The council consultation states: “The aim of this research is to find out what local people need and how to turn the building and the bus stop area into something useful, creative and exciting for Pollards Hill, while also improving the bus stop area.

“Your responses will directly influence the proposals for the site’s development. We are keen to hear from as many residents as possible to ensure proposals meet your priorities, needs and aspirations – once we’ve heard from you we’ll start to test ideas for the site.”

The consultation can be found here: https://www.pollardshill.space/