A FLUSH buyer wants to swap cubicles for cappuccinos after snapping up the old block of loos in Petersfield town centre. The disused toilets were put on the market two years ago by former owners East Hampshire District Council, with an asking price of £100,000. But an EHDC spokesman told The Herald this week that the site was sold a month ago for more than £175,000. The 50 metres square building, which stands out for its elegant Georgian stone arches, overlooks the town square and is tucked in beside St Peter's Church. And new owner Ashley Pirt plans to retain its unique appearance while turning the inside in to a 'continental style' cafe. A design statement submitted to EHDC's planning department said: "The property in its present format, with its external paved area, lends itself to a continental cafe/bar restaurant which could provide this southern fringe of the square with character and life. "This corner within the square requires sympathetic regeneration turning a derelict, disused building into a vibrant and viable part of the town square." It is also suggested in the design statement that the fir tree which currently overlooks it could be removed to make the area brighter. "Removal of the fir tree, which has now outgrown its location and is creating a dark damp and dirty feel to the area ... will brighten up this corner of the square and allow the shrubs within the planted areas to flourish," the statement continued. "With the removal of this tree the area would be much brighter with less obstruction, and reduce anti-social behaviour. This area would be used as an external seating area, giving that 'continental cafe bar' feel which would complement the square. "With the property located within the main town square, it is crucial to maintain and enhance the character of the area." The building's archway entrances, which date back to 1780, were taken from the former town hall which was originally built in front of St Peter's Church. It was used as a hurdle house to store fencing for livestock at Petersfield market. The toilets were closed down in the 1990s when it became a possible venue for the town's museum, but the plan was scrapped when the courthouse building behind the church became available.