Thanet District Council is proposing to invest £1.25 million to deliver the first phase of improvement works to public toilets across the district. This investment is the start of an anticipated wider and longer term programme of public toilet improvements which is subject to further funding being secured.
A report setting out proposals for repair and improvement to ten public facilities will be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Wednesday 6 December. It will then be considered for approval by the Cabinet on Thursday 14 December.
The report identifies that there is potential for this budget value to increase to £1.5m subject to a further sum of £250k being approved via external funding.
The council provides public toilets for the benefit of residents and visitors to key locations within the district.
To inform the schedule of improvements, surveys have been conducted at each facility by an independent surveyor, Geoff Oliver & Associates Ltd, to gain an understanding of the condition of the district’s 27 council-managed public toilets.
The work is to be carried out in phases based on priority need. The list of toilets recommended for initial repair are:
- St Mildreds Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
- West Bay, Westgate-on-Sea
- Joss Bay, Broadstairs
- Broadstairs Harbour
- The Centre, Margate
- Ramsgate Pier Yard
- Viking Bay (chalet block), Broadstairs
These priority repairs were determined based on factors including frequency of use, proximity to a landmark or attraction and the need to improve disabled access and baby changing facilities.
The repair work will focus on resolving existing defects and is not a full refurbishment of the toilets.
If approved, the repairs are anticipated to be completed ahead of the 2024 summer season.
In addition to the repair work, a recommendation has been made to build a new toilet block at Stone Bay in Broadstairs, which will include accessible facilities.
It is also proposed to reopen the subterranean toilets located at Margate Main Sands along with the creation of a new accessible toilet at promenade level. New accessible toilets will also be provided at Botany Bay under the plans.
The full report is available on the council’s website.
