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Squat toilets could be coming to Cambridge to cope with the amount of tourists

Squat toilets are commonly used in East Asian countries

Squat toilets could be coming to Cambridge city centre following a redevelopment.

A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the Silver Street toilets in Cambridge, situated near the Queen’s Road coach drop-off point.


The plans propose having four male urinals, three male cubicles and seven female cubicles, as well as two gender neutral ones.

But one interesting new feature will be the three new squat toilets, commonly used in East Asian countries.


One reason for the choice of squat toilets is because many coach tour visitors come from countries where they are more common, according to Cambridge City Council.

Many claim squat toilets provide more benefits compared to a Western toilet and human biology is better suited to squatting, since historically humans were more likely to squat than sit when going to the toilet. Subject to the planning application being approved, construction is expected to start in autumn 2020.

The existing toilets will then close for approximately four months while the works are underway.

The plans also propose a new lightweight structure on Silver Street bridge to replace the existing disabled toilet with a new facility consisting of a disabled toilet, baby changing table, and a kiosk as a concession or information point.

The current toilets are outdated, costly to maintain, and less able to cope with high demand, particularly from the daily volumes of coach tour visitors to the city centre.
Being located below the street at river level, the current toilets are also susceptible to flooding, leading to some temporary closures of the facilities.

The council has said it will take into consideration the use of sustainable building materials and minimal water use.

As a result, a rainwater harvesting collector will be on the roof. There will also be bird boxes incorporated on the exterior wall to encourage birds to roost.

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/new...ridge-17000740