Brighton's Pavilion Garden toilets reopen to public

City council leader Bella Sankey said the public facilities had achieved "cult status"

The toilet blocks have reopened in Brighton's Royal Pavilion Garden, which is earmarked for refurbishment as part of a heritage project.

The facilities were closed in October 2022 due to poor condition, vandalism and high levels of anti-social behaviour.

Brighton and Hove City Council received a £4.3m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to restore the historic garden site and improve facilities for residents.

Council leader Bella Sankey said the public amenities had "cult status" in the city: "Cleaning them up [and] reopening them is a red letter day."

The garden restoration project, which requires planning permission, will include upgrading the street lights to help people feel safer at night, and improving paths and access.

It is also planned to restore the Grade II listed Pavilion's Regency planting design, using original plans created for George IV, and the provision of an outdoor learning space.

The toilets will be open seven days a week

Tim Rowkins, who chairs the City Environment, South Downs and the Sea Committee, said: “The Royal Pavilion Garden planning application has yet to be heard.

"If granted permission, the toilets are due to be redesigned and refurbished alongside a wider heritage project to restore the historic Royal Pavilion Garden to its original Regency glory.

“In the meantime, we have cleaned up and reopened the existing toilets until that work is ready to begin, with a permanent attendant to help keep them clean and security to ensure the safety of the public and our staff."

In 2023 the council dropped plans to close public toilets across Brighton and Hove, instead announcing plans to invest in them.

The garden's lighting network underwent improvements last year, including LED upgrades, with funding from the Safer Streets Fund.