Salisbury Market Place public toilets set to partially reopen

Salisbury City Council has announced that the underground public toilets on Salisbury Market Place will partially reopen on select days.

The toilets were originally closed at the start of the 2025/26 financial year, which came after temporary closures due to unexpected pump failure and emergency repair works, in response to financial and safety considerations at the time.

A cross-party Working Group made up of City Councillors was formed to develop a shortlist of up to three potential solutions, with their first meeting being held in October 2025. Subsequently, a meeting was held with stakeholders, including Disability Interest Group of Salisbury, Market Traders, Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury BID, Street Pastors, and other local businesses, to hear views and feedback. An architect, who was present for the stakeholder meeting as well as meetings with the Working Group, produced multiple ideas with rough costs.

The Working Group presented a report to Full Council on 10 November 2025, recommending a partial reopening as the most effective next step.

Work has been completed to ensure the facilities are in good working condition and have been thoroughly deep-cleaned. Proposals are being considered by councillors as part of the annual budget setting process for a full refurbishment in 2026/27.

Under the partial reopening plan, the facilities are now open as follows:

• Underground Main Facility – open on market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from 9.00am until 4.30pm, as well as ad hoc event days.
• Underground Night Toilets – open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8.00pm until 8.00am the following morning.

The main facility costs 20p per use, payable by cash only, and is staffed by an attendant during daytime opening hours.

The overground accessible toilet remains open 24 hours and is free to use for RADAR key holders. For non-RADAR key holders, it costs 50p per use, payable by cash or card.

Cllr Sam Charleston, Leader of Salisbury City Council, said, “We have heard your concerns over the closure of the underground Market Place toilets and the impact it has had.

“Many different solutions were considered and reviewed, and we are pleased that a short- and medium-term plan has been established and is moving forward, designed to meet accessibility, safety, sustainability, and value-for-money criteria.”