Planning approval sought for new seafront toilets and Beach Office
Modern new toilets are set to be in place on Bognor Regis seafront next summer, subject to planning permission being granted. The planning application also includes a new Beach Office to replace the existing Foreshores Office which will be demolished to make way for the new buildings.
Public surveys carried out over the last eight years have shown that better toilets are top of the list for those who regularly visit the beach, so the Council has responded by allocating funding to deliver these new toilets. The construction of the new Beach Office would be subject to a future funding decision.
There has been a positive response to the temporary toilets installed for this summer season and the proposed permanent ones are stylish and modern, and designed to blend in with its surroundings.
The proposed new toilet building will be located on the site of the existing Foreshores Office as would the new Beach Office. The combined area of the new toilets and Beach Office will have a smaller footprint and a lower roof than the current Foreshores Office. This will improve the views of the seafront and retain the open-feel of the promenade.
The materials selected for the building are hardy, to deal with the harsh marine environment and designed to stay looking as good as new.
Councillor Mrs Gillian Brown, Leader of Arun District Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Policy, said: “We are fully committed to the improvement of Bognor Regis promenade. We know that both our visitors and residents enjoy spending time on the beach and we want them to have a good time, which includes providing them with clean, modern, accessible toilets to encourage them to return.
“Since the temporary toilets were installed earlier this year, we’ve had a lot of positive comments from beach visitors about what an improvement they are on the old ones, and we anticipate an even more positive response to the new toilets once they are in place next year.
“Following on from our Beach on the Beach sand-play area, this is our next major investment in seafront infrastructure with more to follow, including a new children’s play area to complement the Beach on the Beach, also planned for next summer, along with the construction of a new building for a food business, set to be marketed to catering operators later in 2018.”