Decision

To approve hire of temporary toilet unit from Portakabin for 2 years.

Reasons for the decision

Waterloo Square underground toilets are currently out of service while ongoing investigations are undertaken of its structural integrity. Appraising options and delivery of repairs or an alternative WC block will take some time to deliver.

All our public toilets are heavily used and with summer season and events in the area coming up it would be advisable to install temporary toilets here. It is possible to instal temporary toiles behind the underground building near the weather station on Waterloo Gardens.

Quotes have been sourced from Portakabin, a company who have delivered similar projects for the council in the past and from online enquires. Online searches have proven tricky to find other companies that can offer Male, Female and Disabled facilities in one unit. The online searches offered Portaloo type hire, Construction site welfare or high-end party or event toilets. The others were converted shipping containers. None of these would offer what we require or have long lead times.

Options to purchase outright from Portakabin and another online company have proven too expensive and serious delays in delivery timelines.

Prices received –

Portakabin
Outright Purchase = £92,574.00 (delivery in 4 months)
13 week hire = £20,478.06 (delivery in 3 weeks)
52 week hire = £27,634.06 (delivery in 3 weeks)
104 week hire = £34,187.10 (delivery in 3 weeks)

Upminster Containers (Online Search)
Outright Purchase = NA
13 week hire = (delivery in 4 months)
52 week hire = (delivery in 4 months)
104 week hire = (delivery in 4 months)

Cabin Depot (Online Search)
Outright Purchase = (made to order 16 weeks delivery)

Alternative options considered

Do nothing, would reduce service provision in the area, though Regis Centre WCs are 0.2 miles to the east.

Defer hire to a later date, this is also an option but not advisable as the summer season and events are soon to start.

Seek alternative quotes, Online searches have been conducted.