Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council’s five-year plan came to fruition last week, as they opened brand new public toilets in Post Office Lane.
In 2016 the Council took over all the public toilets in Newport and Carisbrooke when the IW Council ceased to run them.
New building rather than refurbish
Post Office Lane was quickly identified as being the toilets in most need of upgrading, given the general condition and having the highest footfall of all the locations. Rather than refurbish, a new building was deemed to be more appropriate to provide clean and modern facilities.
Danfo specialise in public toilet provision, installing prefabricated buildings, containing individual cubicles, which are easy to clean, robust, energy and water efficient. Users will pay 40 pence, which can be by coins or contactless payment.
£190,000 for new loos
The scheme cost £190,000, of which £160,000 is financed by a Public Works Loan over 10 years. The lifespan of the toilets is estimated at 40-50 years, as the modular design means individual components can be replaced when needed.
Running costs are also reduced due to energy, consumables, maintenance and water savings.
Green roof and enamelled walls
A more attractive public space has been created with new landscaping, planting and the building has a “Green” roof planted with sedum to create an area to encourage wildlife, fitting in perfectly with Newport being the capital of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Reserve. The building has also been clad with enamelled sheets which gives a light, bright, long lasting and easy to maintain finish.
NCCC worked closely with local businesses, architects and planners Christopher Scott, vitreous enamellers AJ Wells and Emerald Construction.
Tricky site
The site threw up some challenges due to its location down a narrow lane and an archaeological inspection was required before the new foundations could be laid.
Most challenging was craning in the large, prefabricated building and thanks go to Prezzo for the use of their car park. A crane had to be brought over from the mainland due to the size needed.
Tribute to project manager
Special thanks go to the Danfo project manager Claudio Catino who ensured delivery of this installation and very sadly passed away in January from Covid-19.
Jones-Evans: These new toilets are something to be proud of
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council and member for Newport Central said
“When we took over the public toilets in Newport and Carisbrooke it was immediately clear that the condition of the Post Office Lane facilities meant they would need replacing, with modern and fit for purpose toilets.
“It’s taken a while and a significant investment but the result is such a marked change, with the clean toilets, new public space, planting and attractive enamel cladding from AJ Wells. Instead of being an embarrassment these new toilets are something to be proud of and more in keeping with our status as the County Town.”
Hastings: Good to finally see this project completed
Cllr Steve Hastings, Chair of the Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council Assets and Facilities Committee said,
“It is really good to finally see this project completed to give residents of Newport and Carisbrooke the quality facilities and landscape they deserve.”
Gilbey: Delivered toilets in Shanklin, Gurnard and Yarmouth
Jon Gilbey, Isle of Wight representative for Danfo UK, said,
“This new facility is great news for Newport, bringing another Island location into the 21st Century.
“Danfo have now delivered Shanklin, Gurnard and Yarmouth with other locations on the cards to start very soon, offering sustainable, accessible and eco-friendly custom toilet options that seem a world apart from the old smelly and somewhat problematic facilities we seem to have been left with.
“I’m extremely pleased along with Danfo UK to be able to assist and support Community, Town and Parish Councils with these changes and options moving forward.”
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community, in her own words, Ed
