Published: Monday, 16th May 2022
Work is well underway on the refurbishment of Heacham South beach toilets following support from Heacham Parish Council and the Ken Hill Estate.
Temporary toilets are in place while a complete refurbishment of the current building is undertaken. Upgraded toilets, basins, accessible toilet, and a slight reconfiguration of the layout, will be open to the public in time for the four-day Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend in June.
The project has seen investment from the borough council, the Community Infrastructure Levy, the Norfolk Strategic Fund, Wild Ken Hill and Heacham Parish Council.
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, Leader of the borough council and Member for Heacham Ward, explains: “When I became one of Heacham's councillors this was a long-standing issue of concern and frustration. I'm pleased that working with others we've been able to get this much-needed work delivered. It’s right to improve the facilities that are offered to residents and visitors to the area.
“This work, costing in excess of £100,000, includes adding a life-saving defibrillator to the building available 24/7 and is a significant long-term improvement."
£20,000 of the funding for this refurbishment comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy. The borough council has also received £10,000 of funding from the Norfolk Strategic Fund, a Norfolk-wide package of measures worth £2.25m in total to support the visitor economy in the county.
Cllr Terry Parish, Leader of the Independent Group and Member for Heacham Ward, added: “The need for new toilets at South Beach has been recognised by Heacham residents and visitors for many years. I am relieved that work will soon be underway to improve matters and hope that the result will be both good and lasting. Funding from the borough council, Heacham Parish Council, the Ken Hill Estate, and the Community Infrastructure Levy has enabled this work to, finally, be progressed.”
Dominic Buscall, Project Manager at Wild Ken Hill said: "We're delighted to help improve these local facilities."
Cllr Graham Reader, Chairman of Heacham Parish Council said: “Heacham Parish Council are pleased that finally the much-needed refurbishment of the South Beach Toilets are under way, with funding from the borough council, Ken Hill Estate, the Norfolk Strategic Fund and the Parish Council. We would also like to thank Cllrs Dark and Parish for persevering in getting this project up and running."