Have your say on funding Ilkley’s car park toilets rebuild

Architect visual of the new toilet block [Image: Ilkley Town Council]

There are two opportunities left for Ilkley residents to meet with Town Councillors in person, view the proposed plans and discuss funding options for the rebuild of the central car park toilets, before the public consultation closes on Friday 20 November 2026.

Ilkley Town Council is encouraging residents of Ilkley and Ben Rhydding to take part in the consultation and share their views on how the proposed improvements should be funded.

Councillors have already held several consultation sessions throughout October and November, giving residents the opportunity to visit Ilkley Town Hall, look at the plans in person, ask questions and discuss the different funding options being considered. With just two sessions remaining, the Town Council would particularly welcome as many residents as possible to come along and have their say.

The remaining sessions are:

• Wednesday 11th November, 5pm–7.30pm

• Tuesday 17th November, 10.30am–11.30am

  
  

The sessions provide a valuable opportunity to find out more about the proposals, understand the potential costs and discuss the options directly with Ilkley Town Councillors.

Architect visual of the new toilet block [Image: Ilkley Town Council]

The consultation follows a decision by Ilkley Town Council to pursue the replacement of the existing toilets. The building, which was last refurbished in 2000, is increasingly showing its age, with maintenance costs rising year on year.

Following an earlier public consultation in summer 2024, which found majority support for refurbishment, a quantity surveyor's report recommended demolishing the existing block and constructing a new building. The estimated cost is £220,785.00, plus a contingency of 5–10%.

The plans include inclusive, accessible and family-friendly toilet facilities, featuring durable low-maintenance materials, energy-efficient fittings, secure storage, timed door-locking systems and the retention of the existing Changing Places pod.

Although the Town Council has agreed that the existing toilets should be replaced, it is now seeking residents' views on how the remaining funding needed for the project should be raised.

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

Residents should also have received a consultation survey through their letterbox. This can be completed online or returned to Ilkley Town Hall or Ilkley Library.

To complete the survey online, visit https://www.ilkleytowncouncil.gov.uk/brook-street-public-convenience_refurbishment-26-27/ before the consultation closes on Friday 20 November 2026.