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

The toilets were shut at the start of the 2025/26 financial year in response to monetary and safety considerations.

The facilities had seen a string of temporary closures due to unexpected pump failure and emergency repair works.

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.

A meeting was also held with stakeholders including Disability Interest Group of Salisbury, market traders, Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury BID, Street Pastors and businesses to hear views and feedback.

An architect, who attended both meetings, produced multiple ideas with outline costs.

The working group presented a report to full council in November 2025, recommending a partial reopening as the most effective next step.

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

• Underground main facility – open on market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from 9am until 4.30pm, as well as ad hoc event days.
• Underground night toilets – open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm until 8am the following morning.

Work has been completed to ensure the facilities are in good working condition and have been thoroughly deep cleaned.

Councillors are considering proposals for a full refurbishment in 2026/27 as part of the annual budget discussions.

The main facility costs 20p per use, payable by cash only. The overground accessible toilet remains open 24 hours and costs 50p per use, payable by cash or card, for non-RADAR key holders.

City council leader Cllr Sam Charleston 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.”