Plans for new facilities for Sleaford move forward

North Kesteven District Council, which is behind the plans, says the facility at 25b Southgate will bring a heritage building back into use, incorporating business use to support economic growth, new and modern public toilets and a Changing Places-accredited facility for people with additional needs. Lincolnshire only has 19 such accessible facilities.

Plans for the wider property, which can be viewed tucked away next to Money’s Yard car park, include a riverside space incorporating a public sensory garden area and biodiversity boosts at the heart of Sleaford. This will be seen as a welcome green space for the community, according to the authority.

Completion of the project is anticipated in summer 2026.

As part of this wider scheme of works, and following the decision by Sleaford Town Council to end their management of Money’s Yard’s public toilets, those facilities will close from March 31, 2026. Alternative toilets are available at the Hub, Sleaford Recreation Ground and Sleaford Museum. Sleaford’s other Changing Places facility is also available to those with access needs at Rainbow Stars’ office on Watergate during their opening hours.

Council Leader Coun Richard Wright said: “We’re pleased to bring 25b Southgate back into use and provide up-to-date and inclusive facilities for Sleaford. It’s an interesting building packed with historic features, with a lot to offer in the overall plan, so it’s a great development for the town.

“As Sleaford Town Council had decided not to continue to manage the current toilets and they were facing closure, it seemed the ideal time to invest in new, better facilities for the town, run by NKDC.

“There are several other public toilet facilities in the town centre which remain available to visitors in the interim. We’re looking forward to providing a space the town can be proud of with the improved facility at 25b Southgate.”

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Commenting on the Money’s yard toilet closure, clerk to the Town Council, Chris Pilkington stated: “Sleaford Town Council gave NKDC notice in August 2025 that we would cease to maintain the NKDC owned toilets at Money’s Yard as of April 1, 2026. The Town Council having operated them under a licence agreement with NKDC for some years. The toilets have required replacing for some time but as neither the owner or tenant of them we are unable to do that and the maintenance costs of them are only increasing.

“In December 2025 NKDC announced plans for new public toilets at Money’s Yard at 25b Southgate. The Town Council welcomes the provision of new toilets at Money’s Yard albeit we have concerns about the specifics of the planning application.

“As the owner of the existing toilets at Money’s Yard, it is a decision of NKDC as to whether they continue to operate them until the new toilets are ready.

“If NKDC offered to cover the Town Council’s costs of operating the old toilets until the new ones are ready, then we would give that consideration.”