Watershed were also graded Diamond for the Eco Friendly Toilet Award, awarded to entries judged to be the most environmentally friendly.

The Loo of the Year Awards have been running since 1987 and are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of ‘away from home’ toilet provision across the UK.

We picked up their best loo in England (Individual Business Category) award for our facilities situated in the top foyer, which opened in November 2022.

These bright and welcoming loos are some of the very few public toilets open for everyone in Bristol city centre.

As part of the Awards, inspectors make unannounced visits to thousands of toilet sites to judge them, rating against 101 categories including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings, accessibility, cleanliness, overall management, and customer care.

Our toilets were designed with the goal of being one of the most inclusive and welcoming spaces in Bristol. They include floor to ceiling self-contained toilets (some with hand-washing facilities and mirrors and some that are ambulant), another accessible toilet, baby changing facilities and a large family room.

Anyone can use the free period products in the toilets supplied by ethical and sustainable provider Grace & Green, whose mission is to provide access to safe and sustainable period products for all.

The design was carefully considered: our plans were reviewed by experts from Around the Toilet, and strategic partners WECIL consulted on signage, colour schemes, physical access and light and noise.

The Eco Friendly Award recognises the most environmentally friendly toilet from all entry categories. Our toilets include low energy lighting, energy efficient heating, cooling and hot water systems and wall tiles and flooring made from recycled materials.

As part of the opening of the new facilities in November 2022, we launched Inconvenience, a zine by Jo Kimber and Alec Stevens celebrating stories from the toilets and why access to toilets is so important. It's a great read.

Clare Reddington, Watershed CEO, said:

"Toilets are such vital pieces of cultural infrastructure, that are used for many human needs. We are so proud of our award-winning toilets, which are joyfully designed to forefront comfort, access, and inclusion. Despite moments of concern from some of our community when we announced our plans they are now loved by audiences and visitors and this award is a testament to that."

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