Dorset Council is delighted to announce that the new Weymouth seafront toilets and Beach Control Office are nearing completion.
The contractors will complete the works on 3 August. The transfer to Weymouth Town Council will take place on 5 August. There will be a soft opening on 7 August then an official opening on 8 August. This is to allow Weymouth Town Council to prepare the toilets for safe opening.
Cllr Gary Suttle, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills, said: “I am delighted to officially open this new toilet and beach control office. This has been a challenging project for our contractors, with inclement weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. The contractor decided to shut the site on 24 March. The site manager returned to the site on Monday 11 May and work recommenced using COVID secure practices. I want to extend my gratitude to the patience of the residents of Weymouth whist this facility has been built and we believe it will significantly enhance the experience for our visitors and residents alike.”
“A fantastic asset for many years to come”
Weymouth Town Council are taking on the management of the facility now the project is completed.
Cllr Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said: “The completion of the Beach Control Office and toilet facilities is extremely welcome news. The new facilities will make a very positive difference to the town, and the family room in particular is a much needed addition to the seafront that will benefit visitors and locals.”
“The new office facilities within the building will also enhance the Town Council’s beach operation and will give staff a functional and central base to work from. The Town Council will be responsible for the future of the building and will maintain it to a high standard to ensure that it remains a fantastic asset for many years to come.”
What will be available?
The ground floor will provide 23 toilets in total, comprising of 18 unisex toilets, 3 fully accessible toilets, a changing places space [a specially adapted toilet for people including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other visible and hidden disabilities], parent room and a family room. There will also be external showers [for rinsing off sand] for those enjoying Weymouth’s award-winning beach.
The new Beach Control Office will be located on the top floor, and have an outdoor balcony offering better surveillance to improve public safety.
The Town Council will be using the lettable space itself to run a new café project.
Background
In 2018, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Management Committee agreed funding for improved toilet facilities in central Weymouth.
These facilities are a conversion and extension of the ground floor area and an extension of the first floor of the previous Beach Control Office.
