The former toilet block at 1 Cathedral Square – once proposed for conversion into a restaurant – will be refurbished with a new roof and general repairs. The building’s distinctive windowless stone walls will remain untouched, with architects opting to resolve daylight and ventilation challenges through roof‑level interventions rather than altering the historic elevations.

Plans by LineArchitecture include removing the existing mansard-style felt roof and installing a full-width pitched and hipped structure concealed behind the parapet. This approach preserves the building’s original massing while meeting modern requirements for light, ventilation and fire safety.

The new roof will be finished in a lead‑grey rigid GRP material designed to echo traditional batten‑roll leadwork, ensuring a subdued appearance appropriate to the conservation area.

Works will also include cleaning algae from the stonework and carrying out repairs to improve the building’s longevity. The original male and female entrances will be retained, serving as the main and utility access points for the new accommodation.