Consultation begins on funding new Ilkley town centre toilets

The proposed design for the upgraded main Ilkley car park toilets

Ilkley Town Council is seeking residents’ views on proposals to fund the rebuild of the public toilets in the South Hawksworth Street central car park.

Residents in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding will shortly receive a public consultation survey through their letterboxes. The Town Council is encouraging residents to complete the survey either online or by returning a paper copy to Ilkley Town Hall or Ilkley Library.

The Brook Street toilets are owned by Bradford Council and leased to Ilkley Town Council under a 50-year agreement. As a result, the Town Council is responsible for their day-to-day management, cleaning and maintenance.

The building was last refurbished in 2000 and, after 25 years of use, is now showing its age. Maintenance costs have also been increasing year on year, prompting the Town Council to consider a longer-term solution.

In summer 2024, Ilkley Town Council held a public consultation on the future of the toilets. The majority of respondents supported refurbishment, and the Town Council subsequently agreed to progress the project.

A recent quantity surveyor’s report has recommended demolishing the existing toilet block and constructing a new building. The estimated cost is £220,785, plus a contingency of 5–10%.

The current toilet block [and pocket park] in the main car park off South Hawksworth Street

The Town Council has agreed that the existing toilets should be replaced and is now asking residents for their views on how the remaining funding needed for the project should be raised.

Councillors will also hold a series of public consultation sessions at Ilkley Town Hall, giving residents the opportunity to view the plans, ask questions and discuss the potential funding options.

Public consultation sessions:

• Saturday 24 October, 10am–1pm

• Tuesday 27 October, 4pm–6.30pm

• Tuesday 3 November, 10.30–11.30am

• Wednesday 11 November, 5–7.30pm

• Tuesday 17 November, 10.30–11.30am

  
  

The consultation survey is expected to arrive on residents’ doormats from Monday 12 October.

Further information, including a link to complete the survey online, is available on the Ilkley Town Council website: ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk/brook-street-public-convenience_refurbishment-26-27

The consulation survey will close on Friday 20th November 2026.