Empty public toilets to be used as office space

The toilets are listed as an important heritage asset

A former public toilet building in a Leicestershire town centre will be converted into offices.

Based in Coalville's Memorial Square, the toilet block has stood empty since it was closed more than a decade ago.

North West Leicestershire District Council is behind the plans, which will see the building's interior refurbished and used as office space.

The authority says the work will start before Christmas and is expected to take about four months to complete.

As part of the work, the roof will be replaced, heritage features of the building will be restored and two office spaces with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities will be created.

Coalville-based company Merisons will carry out the work, which is being funded using a £350,000 UK Shared Prosperity grant from the government.

The council says the spaces will be available to lease on "flexible terms" and expects that the property will create an additional income of up to £10,000 a year.

Richard Blunt, council leader, said: "With Coalville being one of our priorities as a council, we're putting every effort into regenerating the town, bit by bit, and this is one more piece in the Coalville regeneration puzzle.

"The former public toilets building is very ornate and speaks to Coalville's heritage.

"The work will bring the building back into use and meet the specification of the UKSPF in terms of supporting local businesses."