Portable toilets have become an unexpected hero in Plymouth's recent urban transformation, particularly on the city's new Armada Way. The £30 million makeover of this thoroughfare, which reopened on July 4, 2026, has been marred by a persistent issue: the public toilets remain closed due to a drainage problem. This closure, which began in January, was necessary to allow the final phase of the regeneration to be completed without disruption.
The issue at hand is a drainage problem at the Armada Way toilets, which has been a significant challenge for the contractors, including Morgan Sindall. The council's spokesperson acknowledged the problem, stating, 'There is unfortunately an issue with the drainage at the Armada Way toilets which are currently being addressed by the contractors.' This issue has led to the installation of portable toilets to accommodate the public's needs while the permanent facilities are being repaired.
The closure of the toilets is part of a larger sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) project, a key element of the regeneration. The SUDs system aims to divert rain and surface water away from the drainage system, and trees and plants will be watered with recycled rainwater from underground storage tanks. This approach addresses the shortcomings of the previous sewer system, which was not designed to handle the demands of modern plumbing in residential and commercial properties.
The council has also taken steps to ensure the safety and aesthetics of the water feature in Armada Way. Barriers have been erected in the deepest part of the water feature, emphasizing that it is an ornamental man-made stream and not a play water feature. The council has also warned against people using the water for activities like paddling, as it will eventually turn green and become less attractive. Additionally, the council has strict rules against littering and dog waste in the water feature, and has addressed instances of children damaging plants while playing.
The closure of the public toilets has been a necessary inconvenience, allowing for the installation of filtration and control systems within an unused storage room at the rear of the underground loos. This work will ensure that the toilets are not only functional but also meet modern standards of hygiene and accessibility. The council has committed to a thorough renovation, including a new waterproof membrane for the toilet block roof, new disabled toilet doors, sandblasting and cleaning of the stonework, repairs to pointing, repainting of railings, and the removal of clutter.
In the meantime, the nearest public toilets are located in Plymouth Market and Drake Circus Shopping Centre. The council's decision to close the Armada Way toilets during the regeneration project was a strategic move to ensure the success of the larger scheme, which was delivered on time and on budget. The original scheme, priced at £12.7 million, faced a significant cost increase when the new design was drawn up, but the final result is a testament to the council's commitment to a well-executed transformation of Plymouth's main thoroughfare.
