Victorian toilets get restoration

The toilets in the Hayes were opened to a fanfare in August 1898

It has been one of Cardiff city centre's most popular Victorian buildings for more than a century, if only for the shortest of visits.

Now the underground toilets in The Hayes, first opened in 1898 and Grade II listed, are to get a facelift.

The Keep Cardiff Tidy partnership will be spending more than just a penny - £148,000 in all - on the restoration work.

But nearly all the cost is being paid for from landfill waste taxes.

The toilets, below pavement level, were the first public conveniences to open in Cardiff.

It was something of an event, with the Lord Mayor performing the ceremony in August 1898 and being presented with a special key.

The town had been regarded as being "very deficient" in public toilets and a committee was set up to look into the matter a few years before.

'Patient'

But no building records survive, and because the toilets are listed by Welsh historic monuments body Cadw, a specialist contractor has to carry out investigative work to make sure the restoration complies with standards.

Work is expected to take seven weeks from 7 September.

Funding of £128,000 towards the cost is being paid for by landfill tax credits and the remaining £20,000 comes from Cardiff Council.

Coun Margaret Jones, executive member for environment, said: "Due to budgetary pressures, the Hayes public toilets haven't been restored to date, but through successful funding by Keep Cardiff Tidy, this historic building will be restored to coincide with the opening of St David's 2 Development.

"As there are no building plans in place, we ask the public to be patient, as there may be unforeseen issues while the work takes place."

Toilet facilities at Kingsway, Frederick Street, the New Library on Mill Lane, Tourist Information Centre in the Old Library or the Indoor Market on St Mary Street will be alternatives during the closure.

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