TOILETS that have been closed for three years are now occupied with builders as work starts to convert them into an office.

The toilets next to All Saints Church, Quay Street, Worcester, have been sold after being on the market for more than a year.

The chain of events started when the toilets were shut after Worcester City Council voted in September 2005 to cut the number of public loos in the city from seven to five to save money.

It put the building up for sale early last year for £100,000.

It didn’t work out perfectly for the council but the toilets were eventually sold for £86,000.

The council said all profits from the sale of the toilets, which were built in the mid-1920s, will support its capital programme.

Head of finance Grahame Lucas said: “We received a number of bids from different parties and that was the highest.

"My understanding is that it’s going to be put to use as an architectural practice.”

According to Humberts estate agent, the block has “two distinct areas, formerly ladies and gents conveniences.

"It would lend itself to conversion to open plan area subject to planning and building consent and building regulation approval which may be required.”

The toilets have been bought by city architect Adrian Hutt and work started about a month ago to convert them into an office.

Consent for planning was given as the proposed development would be an “acceptable standard of design and detailing and would preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area within which the property is situated.”

Mr Hutt said the conversion would be to expand his portfolio of buildings and would create about 70 square metres (229 sq ft) of office space, which will be available on the rental market in the near future.