Disused toilets TBR & Grange Rd

Hi all

Just seen a planning permission notification come round for a redevelopment of the underground public toilets on the triangle at the junction of Tower Bridge Rd and Grange Rd. Looks like they want to keep most of the original above ground iron-work etc and the tiling downstairs which looks good, and use the space for a wine bar. I'm sure there will be lots of opposing views on the wine bar / licensing, but good to see that someone wants to tidy it all up.

Just wondering if anyone knows any of the history behind the public toilets? When built? When/why did they fall into disuse/disrepair?

Thanks all
Alistair

It's a renewal of the planning permission for the Qubicle bar scheme which will otherwise lapse early next year having been unimplemented for three years.

As to how long the've been closed, this 2008 thread suggests at least six years before that (so 2002 or thereabouts).

wonder if they have keep the bannister going into or rather handrail going downstairs..beautiful brass I think or was it copper in which case thats gone already! the fittings in the cubicles were lovely too and the wooden doors. I think it should have been kept open because it was always closed people stopped even attempting to use the ladies. and because society beeing what it is sometimes, I was told unsavory events were occurring in the gents? Cant think of when it finally closed though.

Thanks for the links James, hadn't realised they were simply renewing an existing permission. Would be good it they got a move on and did some work though!

Oh, and I hope that if Jan is right they give the tiles a thorough scrubbing before reopening...

There was a sign attached to the toilet for a while: with "TO LET" in large white letters. Someone kept adding an "I", which would be painted out and then readded. Eventually the sign was removed. Classic.

Talk about toilet humour!

At the end of last week and on Saturday three guys were painstakingly scrubbing down the ironwork, presumably in preparation for a paint job. Whether they were council or contractors for the new leaseholder I don't know. Encouraging whichever.

I felt a bit sorry for the guy painting, he had a little paintbrush and it looked like a really fiddly job.

Morning all
There has been some more 'activity' recently......but the workmen dont say much when questioned what it might be or when it might open!!

Think its this place http://bermondseyartsclub.co.uk/