The Hayes underground public toilet in Cardiff’s city centre has been awarded five stars at the National Loo Awards 2010.
Nominated under the full time attended public toilets category, the historic facility was also awarded an Attendant of the Year Award for the staff who look after the building.
The Hayes Public Toilets are a Grade 2 Listed Building and were the first public conveniences to be built in Cardiff in 1898. Through successful funding by Keep Wales Tidy, the landfill tax credit scheme and funding from the Tidy Towns Initiative, this historic building was restored in the ‘Victoria Style’ back to its former glory in 2009. Since its introduction in 1987, the annual Loo of the Year Awards competition encourages the highest possible standards in all types of ‘away from home’ or public toilets. In order to meet the judging criteria, the Hayes toilet received an unannounced visit from an inspector and was judged on a number of assessments including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings, and overall standards of cleanliness and management. Scoring 100 per cent, the facility was awarded its five star grading.
Councillor Margaret Jones, Cardiff Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said:
“I’m delighted The Hayes underground toilet has received such an accolade. Cardiff city centre is a major visitor attraction and it’s important that public facilities meet a high standard. The renovation of these toilets has been extensive, with every effort made to conserve as many of the original features as possible. It is encouraging that the hard work involved in providing clean public facilities is recognised.”
The Awards are run independently and promoted by the British Toilet Association.
