A North Tyneside charity is inviting designers to turn the loos at its newly renovated hub for the homeless into ‘amazing spaces.’
North East Homeless’ North Shields site is currently undergoing a major £700k refit to expand and refine the services it offers to those who are, or who are in danger of becoming, homeless.
And, to ensure that even the smallest rooms will be flush with colour and creativity, they are asking designers to submit designs to decorate each of the 10 toilets – with an award for the most outstanding design, judged by architect and tv presenter George Clarke.
Along with upgrading the layout and fittings of the charity’s existing space – which houses a laundry, showers, a café and social supermarket – the development will incorporate commercial units and a function suite with panoramic views across the River Tyne.
When completed later this year, the building will not only enable the charity to help more people but will also support its aim to become financially self-sustaining.
“Around 1000 people visit the hub every week,” said Brian Burridge, who founded North East Homeless in 2014 to bridge the gap between those in need and regional help providers, “and when the development is complete that number will grow even bigger.
“So, we thought a ‘design a loo’ competition would be a great way to showcase some of the amazing creative talent in our region and help them get their work in front of potential customers and sponsors.
“And we hope their designs will lift people’s spirits and make our loos a talking point in their own right.”
The charity is inviting designers to get in touch expressing an interest and it will provide them with the specifications and commercial compliance guidelines and Brian hopes artists of all types and working in a variety of materials will get in touch.
“This competition is open to anyone who can come up with a good design, even if they’ve never designed anything commercial before,” he said.
To express an interest in submitting a design, visit https://forms.office.com/r/4R3hECnV78 .To access the services of North East Homeless, or for further details about the development and the commercial possibilities, contact https://northeasthomeless.org.uk/