Solar energy, new lighting, new heating, new bar area….Pant Memorial Hall has seen huge improvements over the last few years.
There’s always more to do – for our next project, we are turning our attention to the unglamorous but essential task of refurbishing our toilet block.
LATEST NEWS AT THE END – PHASE 1 NEARLY COMPLETE!
Why this project?
Once upon a time in the ‘tin hut’ days, the toilets were seats over buckets – fortunately we have long moved on from that! The hall toilets were last fully reworked in the late 1990s. We have ladies, gents and a unisex accessible toilet, so things are working, but matters could definitely do with an upgrade.
Over the last few years we have fitted sensor lights to all the toilets – nothing to touch and can’t be left on. We also have low-energy modern hand driers, and hot water from a central tank (heated by solar power when available) rather than the old individual heaters. But there’s lots more to do…
What needs changing?
Here is the full wishlist, in no particular order…
- New whiteware throughout
- Low-water use flushing
- automatic flushing (not everyone remembers…)
- sensor taps: more hygienic and can’t be left on by mistake
- better ventilation and extraction
- redecoration throughout
- new vanity unit in the ladies
- soap dispensers
- better feminine hygiene arrangements
- baby change unit
- improvements to the accessible toilet; powered door, better sink and soap dispenser, possibly a ‘changing places’ facility
This may involve rearranging some walls – the relative sizes of the three ‘suites’ are not really correct for modern users, especially if we are going to add more facilities.
How will this be funded?
The hall charity does have reserves for fixes and maintenance – essential for any building. The hire fees are set to cover the running costs and do not cover big projects. Hence we seek grant funding for this work.
The first part of the project is funded! The National Lottery Community Fund have approved our request for £14,000 for this project. A huge thank you to all National Lottery players!
When will all this happen?
Phase 1 nearly complete!!! After a LOT of work to find a contractor, the works on the disabled toilet are nearly done. The old wobbly floor tiles are being replaced with new easy clean vinyl flooring. The scruffy walls have been plastered and covered with easy clean panels.
We have closed off the redundant door from the side room, repurposing the unused lobby space into an expanded disabled toilet and a baby change area with fold down table. The old much-modified electrical panel has also moved to the side room, discreetly tucked behind the door, with all redundant circuits and wires removed and new consumer unit installed to modern standards.
page updated: 16th September 2025