Hugh Broughton Architects’ upgrade of the Victoria Embankment public conveniences for Westminster City Council transforms a much-needed amenity into a durable, high-quality facility with integrated public artwork, marking the first in a series of refurbishments across the borough.

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Dirk Lindner

Hugh Broughton Architects has completed the redesign of the public toilets at Victoria Embankment, the first of eight facilities to be refurbished as part of Westminster City Council’s investment in public amenities. The project replaces outdated facilities with a clean, accessible and welcoming space, responding to the needs of residents and visitors while setting a new standard for public toilet provision in the capital.

Situated near the Thames, the upgraded site introduces a carefully considered layout, incorporating women’s and men’s facilities, an on-site attendant, and a Changing Places toilet. The latter, designed to support people with complex needs, includes a height-adjustable bench and ceiling hoist, making the facility one of the most accessible of its kind.

As part of Westminster’s wider programme to enhance the public realm, the design establishes a robust material language that will be applied across all eight locations. Metal cubicle doors feature an anti-fingerprint finish, while hardwearing ‘Westminster Blue’ tiles provide a distinctive visual identity. Integrated sinks and durable flooring have been specified for longevity, ensuring a high standard of hygiene and maintenance.

A focal point of the refurbishment is the large-scale artwork by James Lambert, commissioned through the Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy [sic]. Inspired by the area’s rich history, the design references the iconic sphinx statues along the Embankment and the Victorian engineering of Joseph Bazalgette’s sewer system. Within the facility, the artwork continues, wrapping through the interior spaces and contributing to a more engaging environment.

The transformation of the Victoria Embankment site is part of a wider initiative to encourage greater public use of Westminster’s outdoor spaces. The council’s £12.7 million investment reflects a commitment to improving civic infrastructure while incorporating artistic and cultural elements that enrich the urban landscape. The next site to undergo refurbishment, beneath Parliament Street, will incorporate further bespoke artwork, this time drawing on the energy of Westminster and its historic landmarks, including the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben.

By employing a consistent architectural language across multiple sites, the project establishes a cohesive identity for Westminster’s public conveniences, reinforcing their role as essential components of the city’s public realm. Thoughtfully designed and built to last, the Victoria Embankment upgrade sets a new benchmark for accessible, well-maintained facilities in London’s most visited areas.

“The refurbishment of the public toilets on Victoria Embankment mark an exciting stage in Westminster City Council’s programme to upgrade eight sites in central London,” said Hugh Broughton, director at Hugh Broughton Architects. “The completed project includes high quality, durable finishes, accessible facilities and a stunning artwork by James Lambert which extends through the male and female facilities and represents key features of the local context. Overall this is a fantastic investment in the public realm, drawing inspiration from public facilities of the Victorian era and demonstrating Westminster’s commitment to creating facilities which are robust, sustainable and charming.”

Colin Ledwith, head of *Consultancy, Contemporary Art Society also added: “The Contemporary Art Society *Consultancy are proud to have introduced the artist James Lambert to this important City of Westminster commission to work alongside Westminster City Council, FM Conway and Hugh Broughton Architects, in the rejuvenation of Westminster’s public toilet facilities. Inspired by the design detail invested in London’s sewer network by Joseph Bazalgette, the Victorian engineer who masterminded the system; Lambert’s distinctive lexicon of imagery seeks to distil the multifaceted identities of London. Through location-specific contemporary and historical references at each public toilet location, his striking designs highlight the hidden, overlooked or previously under-represented.”

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