A project to significantly improve the visitor facilities at Compton Bay – including brand new toilets – has now reached completion.
Although there were a few teething problems with the initial opening of the new facilities, they are now fully open and functional, the National Trust has announced.
In collaboration with Island-based designers, the Compton Bay car park layout has been restructured to improve accessibility and safety. The previous crumbling tarmac area has been replaced with a new green space. This area offers visitors a safe place to enjoy cliff-top views and access food and beverage areas without the worry of moving traffic.
A brand-new toilet block has been introduced to replace the outdated facilities, providing a superior visitor experience. The new block includes 3 unisex cubicles with baby change facilities, a larger accessible WC and a ‘Changing Places’ standard cubicle to accommodate visitors with complex disabilities.
As part of the Refill Revolution, there is now also a water refill station attached to the block, along with a defibrillator.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the modular toilet block can be relocated if necessary due to cliff erosion. It features solar panels to reduce energy consumption and specialised handwashing to minimise water waste. The unit blends into the landscape with the use of natural materials, mostly sourced from the Island, reflecting the National Trust’s commitment to climate action.
This work is part of a broader investment in the Compton landscape, aimed at enhancing visitors’ experience while embodying the Trust’s commitment to welcoming everyone and prioritising environmental sustainability.
Mike Greenslade, General Manager, National Trust on the Isle of Wight, has said:
“We are delighted to have these essential developments fully operational at Compton Bay, ensuring it is a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable destination for all, while safeguarding access to the Isle of Wight’s natural beauty for future generations”.
It is the National Trust’s hope that the facilities will remain open all year round, offering visitors, locals and residents a good, full seasonal experience of Compton Bay though this does depend on the respect and care that the new facilities are shown.
I like the fact that the toilets are made from wood. It should be easy to reclaim that when it all falls into the sea.
Tat..thick as it ..it can be moved you plonker..but you never leave your house anyway so it would’nt matter to you..
Nice to see they’ll be getting advance notice of when the land slips are going to happen so they can move the toilets. You’d have thought they’d have had that technology in Ventnor. Might have been very helpful there.
Shame you can’t use upper part in the summer months for campers/motorhomes and vans..as stupid hight barrier..so all the cars park in the only availiable place for them so hardly any can get in to enjoy the place….