The city council has approved an application relating to the Grade II-listed Mayflower Theatre, which is modernising the toilets as part of a £12m improvement project.

The theatre has received consent to refurbish the loos in the main theatre and provide two new female toilet suites.

A council report said the provision of new toilets in the former bar and manager's room would not affect areas with a distinctive character.

The front of the Mayflower Theatre, which started life as the Empire Theatre in the 1920s(Image: Temple Ford Design)

Referring to the men's facilities on the upper floor it added: "It was clear from a site visit that they have reached the end of their natural life.

"There are cracks in the ceramic basins and step edges, and the copper pipes are ill-fitting and cannot meet modern drainage needs. Repairs would require extensive intervention to the fabric of the walls and floor.

"Replacing these surface units and plant with new facilities, whilst regrettable, would be considered an acceptable level of intervention.

"The minor harm presented by the loss of these features would be far outweighed by the public benefits of ensuring the theatre would meet new operating standards and procedures."

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The scheme will increase the number of cubicles from 43 to 62. It will also see the introduction of urinals in the male toilets, plus the provision of 30 extra wash basins.

An artist's impression of the proposed new toilets at the Mayflower Theatre(Image: Mayflower Theatre)

Submitted earlier this year, the application said the proposed refurbishment would ensure the toilets met new building control regulations.

It added: "Updating and increasing the current audience toilets is essential to meet current standards."

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The application said the scheme would not impact the audience or front of house area, but would deliver a high quality renovation that respected the building's scale, appearance, and significance.

"The proposed renovation will ensure its long-term conservation, maintain its commercial viability, and enhance the character of the fabric."

A Mayflower spokesperson said: "We’re delighted the application to upgrade the toilets has been approved as part of the wider regeneration programme.

"These improvements will deliver more accessible, comfortable, and sustainable facilities for visitors and represent a key element within the £12.7m refurbishment and building works scheme that began in May.

"We look forward to revealing the completed transformation in late summer 2026.”