A community group has urged Durham County Council to pause the sale of a derelict toilet block at Elvet Waterside amid concerns volunteers could lose access to the park they have maintained.
The disused facility, near Durham city centre, was put on the market by the council at the end of October. Simpa Carter, from Hemp Garden Community Association (HGCA), which has cared for the surrounding land since 2017, criticised the bidding process. Volunteers fear that selling the building to a private developer could result in them being removed from the area.
The Reform UK-led council said the property had been “extensively advertised” and that all proposals would be considered.
Believed to date from the late 1950s, the toilet block has been unused for nearly 20 years. HGCA volunteers have renovated the surrounding land into a community garden and public park near The Racecourse cricket ground and former baths. The group plans to convert the toilet block into a community café, with profits reinvested locally.
The building is a single-storey brown-brick structure with a triangular roof, green door and window panes. Yellow leaves have accumulated on the roof, and a red sign reading NO UNAUTHORISED ACCESS is attached. The block is enclosed by a grey metal fence.
Mr Carter said the council had previously praised their work and agreed to meet in the spring to discuss the group’s vision, but the meeting has not yet taken place. Volunteers worry the park could be “destroyed” if the building is sold to a private business.
Graham Wood, the council’s economic development manager, said: “We would encourage all those interested in acquiring the former public toilet building to get in touch if they have any questions and we look forward to receiving bids.” He added the council was “grateful” to volunteers across the county who help maintain local landscapes.
Bids for the toilet block are being accepted until 19 January. The council said it has a statutory duty to achieve the best overall value for its assets and encouraged all interested parties to submit proposals, which must include an outline business case.
