Derelict loo block to become coffee shop and workshop

The current public toilet block in the Trent Lock car park in Sawley. Image from Google.

By Eddie Bisknell – Local Democracy Reporting Service

A derelict toilet block in a car park is set to be converted into a coffee shop and workshop after councillors gave plans the go-ahead.

At an Erewash Borough Council meeting this month, councillors gave their unanimous support for plans from Nichol Dexter to give the former public loos in Sawley’s Trent Lock car park a new lease of life.

The toilets have been disused for around a year, and the area is said to have become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Councillors welcomed its reuse as a boost to the Trent Lock area and canalside visiting trade.

Ms Dexter, who will run her handmade sign company Handy Woman Signs from the workshop portion of the former loos, said she hoped to open the new venture in the next three months, in early summer.

She told the meeting that she and her father had made signs together for years, but he is now retiring, and Ms Dexter feels now is the time for an expansion.

Ms Dexter said the venture would improve the area by keeping the building occupied and that its appearance would be significantly improved.

The current beige brick building will be clad with timber on three sides to give the appearance of a traditional workshop, while the front will be painted a dark green.

There would be two entrances, one for the coffee shop, where the current men’s loos’ door is, and a new double-door entrance on the same side for the workshop, with new windows to be installed.

Ms Dexter said: “I have been there since the start of February, and local youths are already not meeting as much in the car park since I have moved in and I have started litter picking.

“I am keen to see an unusual building becoming a flowering community space and something positive for the community.”

Cllr Kevin Miller said: “I think it will be very convenient. It is a very good idea.”

Cllr Andrew Prince said: “It is a fantastic application. It is always good to see what people can do with these old toilet blocks. It is a new independent business, brilliant.”

Cllr Kate Fennelly said: “Having seen the toilet block converted in the Gallows succeed, I just want to say ‘good luck’.”

Last August, councillors approved the conversion of the former toilets at the Gallows Inn Playing Fields in Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, into the Gallows Grub cafe.

Cllr Margaret Griffiths said: “I remember the Gallows Inn toilet block and I think the sky is the limit.”

Chairman of the meeting, Cllr Harrison Broadhurst, said: “I am in love with this application. Good luck with it.”