Rossendale Borough Council is urging buyers to look into the potential of two old public toilet blocks, which offer an exciting prospect for innovative refurbishment. These locations provide a unique opportunity to turn unused spaces into thriving new enterprises or community assets. The sale is part of the council’s larger drive to adapt historic assets and promote creative uses of local resources.
Details about the properties
The two accessible sites are located in Edenfield and Stacksteads. The Edenfield facility, which has been shuttered for around ten years, and the Stacksteads property, which was shut down during the COVID outbreak, both have distinct opportunities for transformation. These structures are connected to key services such as power and water, making them suitable for a variety of uses. The Edenfield property has a large outdoor space that is perfect for extension, and the Stacksteads site, while smaller, has its own set of unique possibilities.
Successful conversions and future opportunities
Rossendale Borough Council points to a strong track record of comparable conversions. Public toilets in the UK have been converted into a variety of establishments, including residences, holiday lets, restaurants, pubs, cafés, and even a theatre in Newport, Wales. Locally, a disused toilet block has been transformed into a barbershop, with plans to convert another into a cyclists’ café. This history of successful changes indicates the potential that these locations have.
Chris Grundy, the Council’s Senior Property Officer, feels these facilities would be suitable for a variety of uses, including charity offices, commercial spaces, coffee shops, and even ice cream parlours.
The council’s call for innovation
The council encourages potential buyers to “fulfil your dream” of upgrading these buildings for the sake of the community. Local Councillor Adrian Lythgoe notes that the successful renovation of similar locations demonstrates that these properties may be usefully repurposed.
These structures, which were once essential to community infrastructure, are now poised for a fresh lease of life thanks to inventive redevelopment. This auction not only offers a unique investment opportunity, but it also helps to revitalise local communities.
