Town council pushes ahead with Gravel car park toilet project

Plans to upgrade the public toilets at the Gravel car park in Newtown are progressing after a local builder was appointed and new funding bids were submitted, according to the town council’s latest property report.

The report due to go to Newtown Town Council's Resources Committee on Monday, states: “Transformation of the Gravel car park public toilets: The tender has been issued on both Sell2Wales and the Town Council websites, and a local builder has been appointed.”

The project now depends on external funding decisions. Councillors have been told that a revised application has been submitted to Powys County Council.

The report says: “An application for the Transformation Grant was resubmitted to PCC on 12th January 2026 for consideration in February.” It adds that the council has been told the support level may increase, noting: “PCC has informed that they have increased the grant application from 70% to 75% an additional 15K.”

A further funding bid is also being prepared through a national scheme. The report states: “A grant to the National Lottery is also being submitted for 20K.”

If funding is approved, the works will form part of a longer programme. According to the report, “PCC is launching a new two-year funding programme, with the project’s expected completion by December 2026.”

Public toilets at the Gravel car park have been repeatedly affected by vandalism and damage, which at times have led to closures and higher maintenance costs. Open access toilet blocks across Mid Wales have faced similar pressures, with councils balancing availability against repair bills and misuse.

The report does not set out the final design for the refurbishment, but transformation schemes elsewhere have included more robust fittings, improved layouts, and measures to reduce vandalism and ongoing repair needs.

A final timetable for the Newtown works is expected once grant decisions are confirmed.