6:42PM, Wed Aug 8, 2012

Newcastle’s Historic Bigg Market Underground Toilets Up For Sale

By Joe Daunt Location: Bigg Market, Newcastle

Video: Bigg Market toilets on the market to be transformed

Historic underground toilets situated in Newcastle’s Bigg Market have been put on the market to be transformed into a bar, art gallery or takeaway.

The subterranean loos have been a city centre fixture for more than a century, but have been closed since April of this year.

Video: Comedian and co-founder of Viz magazine Simon Donald gives his thoughts on the Bigg Market toilets

Officials from Newcastle City Council are putting the toilets up for sale in the hope the structure can be put to good use.

Councillor Henri Murison, Newcastle City Council's Cabinet Minister for Quality of Life said: "This is a real structure of importance and significance for Newcastle.

“We are looking for people to convert it - everyone can have their two pennies as it were.

“There are all sorts of things you could do with it but we just want the best ideas.

“The location is phenomenal, probably one of the best locations in the city."

The public toilets have provided relief to generations of Geordie gentlemen since they were constructed in 1898.

Inside the famous site are 18 urinals, five cubicles, a cupboard and tiled walls and floor.