Work has started on a new state of the art cafe that will be built on the site of a former public toilet block.

The proposed two-storey development on North Road, Durham will see a new glazed first floor extension built at the 1960s toilet block after plans were approved for the scheme last month. 

It is hoped the new cafe will attract passing trade from university students in nearby accommodation as well as other visitors to the town. 

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A proposal to convert the toilet block into a cafe was previously approved by planning officers at Durham County Council, but the applicants, named as McCarrick Construction, received additional approval for the glazed first floor extension in June. 

The Northern Echo: Boards have started to be erected outside the proposed site Boards have started to be erected outside the proposed site (Image: KEVIN CREAGHAN)

McCarrick Construction said in a planning proposal at the time: “Upon further consideration the building would be more usable and have a more uniformed appearance with a full glass enclosure on the first floor. This would allow the building to be used in all weather and take away any safety concerns due to slipping.

“A more uniformed appearance would improve the street scene whilst also providing a much better all year round facility for the public.”

The applicant says inspiration for the cafe’s design was taken from modernist art.

The proposal also received the backing of the City of Durham Parish Council, which said it “loved” the scheme.