The "splash palace" in Parliament Street, York, will soon be pulled down. So what should be put in its place? CHARLOTTE PERCIVAL investigates.

WHO would have thought that one building could have caused such bother for 15 years?

The "splash palace" toilets in Parliament Street have always been a source of controversy, and since City of York Council announced plans to demolish the building, tongues have been wagging again.

One of the questions being asked now is what should happen after the often-hated building goes.

Council leader Steve Galloway said recently that there should be "an imaginative design solution". But what, exactly, could that be?

Architect Phil Bixby, of Constructive Individuals, would like to see a public consultation to give the people of York a chance to suggest ideas.

Clearly, it will be a sensitive location to develop, he points out, but he thinks the site has potential.

"Recently we have had several buildings in York that have been very contemporary and haven't tried to fit in with the traditional look of York and have looked great, such as City Screen," he said.

"There have been times when people have had courage and city planners have backed them and it has paid off.

"It would be good to do something in Parliament Street where we had the courage to say this is about the vibrancy of the life of the city centre and about now'."

Mr Bixby would like to see the space used as a backdrop to support bands and dancers performing in Parliament Street.

"At the moment, people have to put up a temporary stage and scaffolding, but it would be nice to have a stage that was permanent," he said.

"It could have a cover to protect from the weather and little flip-out seats for people to sit together and watch. People could perhaps serve coffee there.

"It would be something that would become a focal point for that part of town, so people could arrange to meet there."

Philip Crowe, of pressure group York Tomorrow, agreed. He urged planners to avoid the knee-jerk solution.

"I think they should look at it in a holistic way," he said.

"I don't have an opinion on whether it's replaced by a building or landscaping of some sort, but at the moment it's a shambles.

"Something like a bandstand would be an excellent idea because it's a good area for bands and so on at the moment, but there aren't really proper facilities.

"The council would need to make sure that the traffic is managed properly so pedestrians could move about freely, which they can't at the moment.

"It could be a nice square and any building they put there should complement it."

Market trader Gordon David, manager of Gordon and Jane's Fruit And Vegetables, in Newgate Market, would like to see the area used for stalls.

"But I'm realistic and I know it won't happen," he said. "It would be best used as an open area rather than putting another building there.

"I would like to see market stalls there, but you will never see them permanently in Parliament Street. They should put a big banner there telling people where York market actually is.

"I suppose it would be best as an events area and used to bring people in, but rather than having continental markets in Parliament Street, they should have more local stall holders there so traders from York could go there and show off their wares."

The Parliament Street toilets were opened in 1992, following a refurbishment of pre-existing underground toilets. But the building was widely derided at the time as an eyesore, and it has been blighted over the years by vandalism, misuse, blocked drains and bad access.

The barely-loved lavatories will be replaced with a new block in Silver Street, off Newgate Market.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said it was important the city got the site's development right.

"We would welcome a thorough investigation as to its best use," she said. "The area could provide a focal point for events, festivals and tickets and a meeting place for residents and visitors with outdoor seating, so creating a more continental atmosphere and promoting what's on in York.

"This could be done in a stylish, contemporary way and in keeping with the historic environment."

A City of York Council spokeswoman said it was too early to say whether there would be a public consultation, and there were no firm plans yet.