Isle of Wight seafront toilet block in Sandown may be sold
County Hall’s policy, finance and resources committee (PFR) is due to rule on the proposed disposal of the Pier Street Regeneration Opportunity, opposite Sandown Pier, to Sandown Town Council (STC).
Located opposite Sandown Pier, the building has been used as public toilets between 2019 and 2025 for around three months of the summer season, according to a committee report.
STC has expressed a renewed interest in purchasing the site, with the aim of initially reopening facilities and advancing longer-term regeneration plans.
County Hall officers have recommended transferring the site’s freehold to STC for a ‘nominal £1’, subject to ‘due diligence’ and conditions ensuring continued provision of public toilets or their ‘suitable replacement’.
Their report says: “This approach is considered to represent best value, mitigate ongoing risks and liabilities, and support local regeneration objectives while enabling a community-led solution.”
The document notes that previous attempts to redevelop the site have failed due to ‘planning constraints’, including ‘costly’ public realm works and the requirement to re-provide toilets, which ‘significantly affected’ scheme viability and deterred developers.
It says public toilets are ‘especially important’ in a location such as this, serving the visitor experience and economy.
The sale was due to be considered by PFR at a February meeting but due to a ‘further reputable developer’ being identified, the item was withdrawn from the agenda.
Their interest was looked into but subsequently withdrawn due to proposal costs, according to the report.
PFR is due to meet at County Hall at 5pm tomorrow.
