In America we call these slop sinks and use them to wash up after getting dirty outside, fixing the car, etc. Or to clean stuff thats too big or messy to use the kitchen sink but in a more controlled way than with a garden hose. As such they tend to be in the little room between the garage and the rest of the house. Sometimes in the basement instead.

Also used to wash certain clothes that are hand-wash only.

The design is different than the picture - deeper and usually fiberglass or plastic.