More public toilets to reopen – this time at Victoria Road Recreation Ground

More public toilets will be restored and reopened as we continue to invest in improving the condition and accessibility of the city’s toilets.  

Plans to restore and reopen the public toilets at Victoria Road Recreation Ground have been announced, with the council keen to encourage more people to use our parks and open spaces by making them more accessible.  

Having open and working toilets is a key part of making our parks an attractive and accessible place for residents of all ages to spend time – hence the emphasis on repairing and reopening the facility at Victoria Road Recreation Ground.  

Committed to working at pace

Since they were closed, the toilets have unfortunately fallen into further disrepair, meaning the restoration will not happen overnight, but the aim is for the facility to be back up and running by the end of the year. We're committed to working at pace to achieve this. 

To ensure that this facility is well looked-after, we're also adding 2 more staff to the team.  

This will add additional capacity for other toilets in the west of the city, including the new facilities at Hove Beach Park, which are often very busy.  

Sustained investment in recent years

The repairs to the Victoria Road Recreation Ground toilets are part of the sustained investment in facilities across the city in recent years. 

Since May 2023, we've reopened 12 and refurbished 9 and changed the opening hours so that some sites that used to be closed during the winter are now open year-round. 

As well as the new block at Hove Beach Park, we've also refurbished facilities in Goldstone Villas, Preston Park, Hove Lagoon, Royal Pavilion Gardens, King’s Esplanade, Daltons, Station Road, The Level, Saltdean and Ovingdean undercliff. 

New toilets, including accessible Changing Places facilities, have opened in St Ann’s Well Gardens and One Garden in Stanmer Park. 

Image: Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services.

Essential facilities

Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said: “Reopening and refurbishing our public toilets has been a top priority for us, and I’m extremely pleased to be adding Victoria Road Recreation Ground to the list. 

“These facilities are essential for our residents and visitors, and those in our parks help support sports and other outdoor activities that are so important for wellbeing.   

“The additional expansion of our team will help keep our new toilets, such as those in Hove Beach Park, at the high standards we strive for.” 

Upgrades across Brighton & Hove 

This revamp is part of a second phase of work to improve the condition of the city’s toilets, provide new facilities and make them accessible for everyone.  

The Colonnade on Brighton seafront will be refurbished as part of Phase 3 of the refurbishment programme. 

May 2025: Ovingdean Undercliff toilets reopen after major refurbishment 

March 2025: The facilities in Goldstone Villas in Hove reopen following major refurbishment to make them more accessible and family friendly. 

March 2025: The new public toilets at the Outdoor Sports Hub in Hove Beach Park open, featuring accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, a family room and ambulant cubicles. 

November 2024: Refurbishment of the toilets at Ovingdean Undercliff begins. 

October 2024: New Changing Places toilets in Preston Park open. 

September 2024: New Changing Places in St Ann’s Well Gardens reopen with height-adjustable benches, ceiling track hoists, height-adjustable sinks and extra space for carers. 

July 2024: Hove Lagoon toilets reopen following refurbishment. 

June 2024: The MacLaren Pavilion at the Level redeveloped into a split-use café and public toilet. 

April 2024: Royal Pavilion Garden facilities reopened and new Changing Places toilet opened at the One Garden in Stanmer Park. 

March 2024: Black Rock, Greenleas and Hollingbury Park toilets are opened all year round as part of changes to the service. 

July 2023: 7 more public toilets are opened at Blakers Park, Greenleas, Easthill Park, Hove Cemetery South, Queen’s Park, Stanmer Village and Vale Park. 

June 2023: Refurbished toilets are opened for summer 2023 as part of Phase 1 of the programme.