Plans announced for new accessible public toilets at Abington Park

Plans have been unveiled for a brand-new public toilet facility at Abington Park, set to deliver accessible and family-friendly facilities in a safer and more visible location close to the park’s popular playground.

The proposed development would replace the existing toilet block on the eastern side of the park, which has been closed for some time due to repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Owing to its hidden location and poor visibility, the current building is considered unsafe and unsuitable for refurbishment.

Developed for West Northants Council by GSS Architecture, the new facility would be located near the playground and main pedestrian routes, significantly improving accessibility, safety and natural surveillance. The proposals have been shaped through engagement with key stakeholders, including members of The Abington Park Management Committee and Northamptonshire Police, who support the relocation of the toilets to a more suitable and visible area of the park.

The new building would include seven self-contained toilet cubicles, offering a mix of single-sex and unisex facilities, alongside a wheelchair-accessible toilet with RADAR key access and a dedicated family toilet with baby-changing facilities. Safety and security have been carefully considered within the design, with features such as CCTV coverage, security-rated doors, anti-climb measures and improved visibility from surrounding paths to help deter vandalism and misuse.

Abington Park is one of Northampton’s most well-used and much-loved green spaces, and it’s important that the facilities available meet the needs of everyone who visits.

These proposals would deliver brand new accessible toilets in a safer and more visible location, helping to make the park more welcoming for families, disabled visitors and the wider community. We also designed the facilities to complement the park’s heritage and maintain its historic aesthetic.Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste at WNC

The former toilet block would be demolished as part of the plans, with the area restored. The new facility will be sensitively designed to respect the historic character of Abington Park, using locally sourced stone and a curved slate roof inspired by Victorian park architecture.

We set out to create facilities that improve the visitor experience at Abington Park and respect the park’s heritage and landscape. Working with West Northamptonshire Council, we have developed a design that will bring high-quality, modern, robust amenities into the heart of the park, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the park and have access to suitable facilitiesAnna McTaggart, Partner at GSS Architecture

Environmental sustainability is a key feature of the proposal, with measures including solar photovoltaic slates, rainwater harvesting for park irrigation, permeable paving and wildflower planting to support biodiversity.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, subject to planning approval. Residents are invited to learn more about the proposals at an information drop-in event taking place at Abington Park Museum on Wednesday 4 February, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm where they can view the plans, ask questions and speak directly with the project team. Further details, including plans and supporting documents, are available on the Council’s website as part of the planning application.