A recent article by the BBC draws on the subject of women's toilets being an issue for the West End Theatres. We have recently supported the refurbishment and sanitary enhancement plans for a premier theatre in the West End.
Movement Strategies understands well the challenges for theatre owners of providing sufficient toilet facilities in listed theatre buildings with significant space constraints. We have recently supported the refurbishment and sanitary enhancement plans for a premier theatre in the West End. Our work used data-based evidence to provide a better value design proposal. This led to facilities being rebalanced and optimised by strategically adding or removing male and female toilets to reduce wait times, thereby allowing visitors to spend more time enjoying the bars during the interval period and return to their seat on time.
We have undertaken several studies into toilet use across iconic sports, transport and cultural venues. This research suggests that while women take longer than men on average, there is a large range of toilet-times across male, female and accessible facilities. This can lead to long waiting times where there is high demand for toilets (e.g. during the interval of a show). The need to use realistic data to make sure that there is adequate provision should be recognised by owners and operators of venues and attractions.