Brighton: Black Rock seafront public toilets reopened.
Following months of pressure from residents and councillors, the seafront public restrooms have reopened.
Kemptown ward Councillor Gary Wilkinson and Southern Water’s wastewater chief, John Penicud, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Brighton’s Black Rock.
Cllr Wilkinson stated that the project’s completion was a “win for the local community” and “long overdue”.
Southern Water’s facilities had been closed for months due to a refurbishment project. Volks Railway uses the facility as both a station and a ticket office.
The building is also used as Volk’s Electric Railway Black Rock station (Image: The Argus)
Prior to the reopening, Kemptown Liberal Democrats filed a petition urging the council to handle the issue “as a matter of urgency” and supply temporary toilets in the area, which received over 1,000 signatures.
The facility contains the sole public restrooms in the Black Rock area. During the shutdown, visitors were compelled to use either the nearest facilities, which were almost a half-mile away, or those owned by private businesses.
Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, tradition, and tourism, stated that the council had “heard loud and clear from residents how frustrating it’s been not having access to public toilets in this area”.
The disabled toilet (Image: The Argus)
Cllr Miller stated: “We’ve heard… how important they are in ensuring that older people, children, and anyone with health needs can enjoy the seafront.”
“Reopening them wasn’t as simple as fitting them out; Southern Water had to perform extensive operational work to make it happen.
“I’m delighted that we worked together to develop a solution that would allow residents and visitors to regain access to facilities, as well as a wonderful new station for the Volks Electric Railway.
“With the refurbishment of Black Rock and the reopening of the Temple and Reading Room, this part of the seafront is truly coming back to life.”
Southern Water had opted to refurbish the “unusable public loo” alongside modifications to a pumping station beneath the structure, at a cost of £366,000. Cllr Wilkinson stated, “I’m glad the toilets at Black Rock have finally reopened.
“This long-overdue improvement, that will be maintained by the council, will make a real difference for local residents, beachgoers, and visitors alike.”
The repair is part of a larger project spearheaded by Brighton and Hove City Council to improve the Black Rock region as a destination for children and tourists, particularly those using the “fantastic new station for the Volks Electric Railway,” the councillor stated.
The entrance to the toilets (Image: The Argus)
The public restrooms will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of March, when they will switch to summer hours.
Cllr Wilkinson went on to say, “With the reopening of the toilets and the overall revitalisation project, Black Rock is once again becoming a true destination.” These adjustments are more than just ornamental; they make the area more functional, welcoming, and inclusive.
“Regeneration is more than just erecting new structures; it is about creating locations where people desire to spend their time.
These upgrades are already increasing foot traffic, supporting local jobs, and bringing fresh life to the area.
“By working with partners and investing wisely, we’re showing how regeneration can unlock further investment, create jobs, and improve quality of life .”
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