Sheffield public toilets could be turned into a bar

Urinals could be replaced with beer taps if a plan to open a bar in a former Sheffield public toilet is approved.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Dec 2016, 11:34 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2016, 13:16 BST
The old public toilets at the Town Hall in Sheffield could be turned into a bar.The old public toilets at the Town Hall in Sheffield could be turned into a bar.
The old public toilets at the Town Hall in Sheffield could be turned into a bar.

Threads Management has applied to convert the former men's toilets underneath the Town Hall in Surrey Street.

The firm, which also runs The Great Gatsby in Division Street and Picture House Social in Abbeydale Road, hopes to serve deli-style food and a wide range of drinks.

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The toilets have been closed for three years.The toilets have been closed for three years.
The toilets have been closed for three years.

According to the planning application seating booths would be installed, while the original wall tiles would be kept and restored to reflect the site’s heritage.

James O’Hara, who is leading the plan, said: "It’s quite exciting what we want to do with it - it will be great."

The toilet is under the pavement beside the Town Hall, accessed by a set of stairs. The space is part of the structure of the hall, which is a Grade I listed building.

According to documents submitted as part of the application, a substantial sum would be spent fitting out the bar, and the venue would generate income for the council.

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The old public toilets at the Town Hall in Sheffield could be turned into a bar.The old public toilets at the Town Hall in Sheffield could be turned into a bar.
The old public toilets at the Town Hall in Sheffield could be turned into a bar.

But Mr O'Hara emphasised that the idea was at an early stage. A name has been chosen, but is being kept under wraps.

"It’s obviously a council-owned building, so until we’ve got the planning permission we can’t even sign the lease, " he said. "We’ve got a lot of work to do. Even if we get permission it will be a long time. Fingers crossed, if we do it, it will be next year."

The toilet was closed to the public about three years ago. Almost all of Sheffield’s public toilets have been taken out of use in recent years to save money.

A planning application to convert the old toilets in nearby Blonk Street into a cafe was approved in December last year.

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The toilets have been closed for three years.The toilets have been closed for three years.
The toilets have been closed for three years.

A decision on whether to approve the Town Hall change of use is expected as early as next month.

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Related topics:SheffieldTown HallAbbeydale RoadMotorists