Toilet block transformed into workshop (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Toilet block transformed into workshop

7:30am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News By Helen Barnett

A CRUMBLING old toilet block has been transformed into a workshop to teach youngsters engineering and construction skills.

The Mayflower Project has finished renovating the former toilet block at Harwich Town railway station.

The restoration is part of an ongoing scheme to regenerate unused train station buildings at the site in George Street turning them into workshops.

Apprentices and students are using the space to learn skills in ship building, construction, painting and decorating and business administration.

When project leaders first accessed the toilet block in August 2012 they found a collapsed roof and piles of dumped rubbish and debris.

The former railway shed has already been renovated as well as a building which was converted to a basic workshop. It will soon be upgraded to the same standard as the former toilet block.

Project volunteers will now move on to complete the final phase of the renovation by restoring a further building in Harwich train station. It is hoped to be completed by early summer.