From Notorious Lavatory to Future Café: The Saga of Broadwick Street
A former public toilet in Soho, once infamously labelled 'the top cottaging spot in the UK' by police, is now poised to be transformed into either a café or a retail space. Westminster City Council has submitted a new planning application for the site on Broadwick Street, directly opposite The Ivy, following the expiration of a previous proposal from a private coffee operator.
Community Backlash Over Toilet Shortage
The council's bid has been met with immediate criticism from local groups, who highlight a severe and ongoing shortage of public toilet facilities in the bustling West End district. Lucy Haine, Acting Chair of The Soho Society, stated emphatically that with ever-increasing footfall, the area desperately needs a public realm that meets demand, which unequivocally includes public toilets.
The Soho Society is formally opposing the change of use and is a member of the London Loo Alliance. Ms Haine pointed out that the current provision discriminates against women, the elderly, and those less able to access public spaces, reinforcing recommendations made in last year's 'Caught Short' study on toilet provision in Soho.
A Troubled History and a Stalled Coffee Deal
The subterranean toilets were permanently closed in 2021 after repeated reports of public sexual activity. A Metropolitan Police email, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service before the closure, starkly described the situation, noting that the behaviour occurred regularly with no attempt to conceal it.
In 2022, a 25-year lease was reportedly agreed with Lift Coffee, and a planning application was submitted in late 2024 to convert the space into a café and events area. However, the council has since confirmed that the agreement stalled. It is understood that Lift's option on the property has now expired, prompting the local authority to pursue its own application.
The new submission, filed earlier this month, requests permission to change the use of the vacant facility to Class E, which permits café or retail use. In contrast to the earlier Lift Coffee plan, which included a takeaway stall, the council's proposal will not include any above-ground works, aside from the removal of an existing air conditioning unit.
Political Promises and Council Investment
The issue has become a political battleground. Conservative councillor Tim Barnes, who represents the West End ward, accused the Labour-led council of breaking an election promise to reopen public toilets, claiming they are instead being 'sold off to become coffee shops'.
In response, Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, defended the application. He stated it was about making better use of a former toilet to create a safer and more welcoming environment. He emphasised that a modern, automated public convenience (APC) is now provided at ground level on Broadwick Street.
Cllr Boothroyd also outlined the council's substantial investment in public facilities, including a £12.7 million refurbishment of eight West End public toilets and over £2 million for upgrading APCs. He noted that as providing public toilets is a non-statutory service, any rental income from the Broadwick Street site would help support this significant investment. The council also provides a network of temporary toilets during weekends and major events to manage peak demand.
