Plans have been unveiled for a brand-new public toilet facility at Abington Park, set to deliver accessible and family-friendly facilities in a safer and more visible location close to the park’s popular playground.

The proposed development would replace the existing toilet block on the eastern side of the park, which has been closed for some time due to repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Owing to its hidden location and poor visibility, the current building is considered unsafe and unsuitable for refurbishment.

Developed for West Northants Council by GSS Architecture, the new facility would be located near the playground and main pedestrian routes, significantly improving accessibility, safety and natural surveillance. The proposals have been shaped through engagement with key stakeholders, including members of The Abington Park Management Committee and Northamptonshire Police, who support the relocation of the toilets to a more suitable and visible area of the park.

The new building would include seven self-contained toilet cubicles, offering a mix of single-sex and unisex facilities, alongside a wheelchair-accessible toilet with RADAR key access and a dedicated family toilet with baby-changing facilities. Safety and security have been carefully considered within the design, with features such as CCTV coverage, security-rated doors, anti-climb measures and improved visibility from surrounding paths to help deter vandalism and misuse. Environmental sustainability is also a key feature of the proposal, with measures including solar photovoltaic slates, rainwater harvesting for park irrigation, permeable paving and wildflower planting to support biodiversity.

Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at WNC, said: “Abington Park is one of Northampton’s most well-used and much-loved green spaces, and it’s important that the facilities available meet the needs of everyone who visits.

“These proposals would deliver brand new accessible toilets in a safer and more visible location, helping to make the park more welcoming for families, disabled visitors and the wider community. We also designed the facilities to complement the park’s heritage and maintain its historic aesthetic.”

The former toilet block would be demolished as part of the plans, with the area restored. The new facility will be sensitively designed to respect the historic character of Abington Park, using locally sourced stone and a curved slate roof inspired by Victorian park architecture.

Anna McTaggart, Partner at GSS Architecture, said: “We set out to create facilities that improve the visitor experience at Abington Park and respect the park’s heritage and landscape. Working with West Northamptonshire Council, we have developed a design that will bring high quality, modern, robust amenities into the heart of the park, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the park and have access to suitable facilities”