The new public toilets at Ryde Interchange on the Esplanade have finally opened, more than 2 years after the loos at Western Gardens were demolished. Ryde Town Council has confirmed that the new conveniences – located on the concourse within the interchange building – are now open following the successful completion of all necessary legal paperwork. It follows a lengthy row over who would run the toilets. It was in early 2022 that the Western Gardens toilet block was demolished as part of the wider Ryde Interchange development, which is yet to be completed. Temporary loos were brought in to allow locals and tourists alike to spend a penny but by October 2022 they were removed again due to constant vandalism. Since then, there has been no proper solution in place – save for 2 or 3 portaloos dumped on the bus station pavement. With just days to go until thousands of festival revellers arrive in Ryde, the doors to the permanent ladies and gents have been unlocked. However, the facilities will only be open from 06:00-19:00 daily – despite the trains, ferries and buses running much later. It’s said that the new facilities have been designed with modern standards of hygiene, accessibility and sustainability in mind. Equipped with touchless fixtures and accessible stalls, the new toilets are aimed at providing comfort and convenience for all residents and visitors. 
Lisa Dyer, Clerk at Ryde Town Council, says:
“Frustratingly, due to the complex nature of the lease arrangement, the legal work has taken some time to complete. We are really pleased to have been able to get these facilities open. With the IOW festival and summer holidays fast approaching it is vital these facilities are available for residents and visitors alike”.
The Ryde Interchange scheme is yet to be completed, with works still continuing on the new café and the final appearance of the building.
