Hugh Broughton Architects delivers upgraded public toilets beneath Parliament Street as part of Westminster City Council’s £12.7 million programme to improve facilities across the borough.

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Dirk Lindner

Westminster Council has completed the refurbishment of public conveniences beneath Parliament Street, linked to Westminster Underground Station by pedestrian underpass. Located on one of the capital’s busiest thoroughfares, the toilets are the second facility to reopen following the scheme at Victoria Embankment earlier this year.

The works form part of a wider initiative to upgrade eight public toilets across central Westminster. Designed by Hugh Broughton Architects with engineers Harley Haddow, the Parliament Street project prioritises durability, ease of maintenance and improved user experience.

The project is also the second in Westminster Council’s plan, following the conveniences on Victoria Embankment which were designed and delivered by the same team.

On Parliament Street, a new lighting scheme ensures the subterranean space feels bright and secure, while the layout reflects the requirements of the recently introduced Part T building regulations. Larger cubicles, ambulant WCs and baby-changing facilities have been incorporated within both male and female toilets.

The Contemporary Art Society oversaw the integration of public art, with the entrance being marked by new ceramic works from artist James Lambert. Manufactured by H&E Smith and screen-printed by Digital Ceramics, the tiles feature abstracted motifs ranging from Big Ben icons and toy soldiers to graphic hands, Westminster Bridge arches and references to civic protest. The artwork seeks to capture the energy of the area and to create a visual link between Parliament Street and Westminster Underground Station.

“Located near some of Westminster’s most iconic cultural and tourist destinations, these modern facilities will serve both residents and the millions of visitors we welcome each year,” said Councillor Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality. “They also now feature striking artwork which celebrates the rich history and vibrant culture of our city. As part of our £12.7 million investment across eight public toilets in the West End, we are proud to be delivering high-quality, accessible public spaces which enhance everyday life and the visitor experience.”

Westminster’s refurbishment programme continues later this year at Piccadilly Circus Underground Station, where new facilities will be installed within the Grade II-listed building. Artwork for that site will reference Anteros’ arrow, the tradition of music halls and more recent entertainment venues.

“It is a rare and privileged opportunity to work on a project in such a high-traffic and well-known location as this,” said Hugh Broughton, director of Hugh Broughton Architects. “Public toilets are a fundamental requirement across the city but this area is particularly busy with tourists and Londoners alike, which makes the need even greater. We’re proud to unveil this new design that continues our work in supporting Westminster Council’s wider initiative, providing access to sanitation that is practical, inclusive and joyful.”

“Just six months ago we delivered the first of Westminster’s flagship PC projects on the Victoria Embankment,” added Matt Smith, managing director at FM Conway. “I am understandably proud to see how we have built upon that success and to see our team delivering another outstanding example of public architecture in one of London’s busiest tourist areas.”

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