A NEW public toilet block with smart technology is to be built outside the multi-storey Poole Quay car park – more than five years after previous facilities were removed.

BCP Council will reintroduce a standalone toilet facility with outside the car park in Old Orchard for mixed public use, catering for male, female and disabled users.

The site was previously occupied by a permanent toilet block until it was demolished in early 2017. At the time, the then Poole Borough Council said the removal of the Quay car park and nearby Chapel Lane toilets would save them £98,000 a year.

However, the subsequent BCP Council administration has elected to reinstate the Quay facilities as part of a new trial – the first of its kind in England.

Bournemouth Echo: The now demolished public toilets at the Quay Visitors Car Park in PooleThe now demolished public toilets at the Quay Visitors Car Park in Poole

Following the decision to reintroduce the facility, some questioned why the initial toilets were removed in the first place and expressed annoyance at the “change of heart”.

Resident Michael Thompson said: “What a change of heart by the council in realising that there are times when people might need to use the toilet.

“There used to be perfectly adequate working toilets in these areas before the council in its infinite wisdom closed them. So, residents paid for the closure and demolition and now we have to pay to get them reinstated.”

Cllr Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “Later this year, BCP Council will trial a new automated toilet, which will be installed at Old Orchard, Quay Visitors Car Park in Poole. BCP Council will be working in partnership with Sanitronics to trial this new and innovative smart technology.

Bournemouth Echo: CGI of eventual public toilet facility outside Quay Visitors Car Park in Poole. Picture: Asplan/BCP CouncilCGI of eventual public toilet facility outside Quay Visitors Car Park in Poole. Picture: Asplan/BCP Council (Image: Asplan/BCP Council)

“The self-cleaning public convenience, which limits water usage and is sustainably designed and engineered, will be the first to be trialled in England.

“BCP Council’s ongoing commitment to regenerate Poole is an integral part of our Big Plan for the BCP area. Instead of closing toilets, we are increasing investment in this area with new technology which is financially stable.

“We hope that both residents and visitors to Poole Quay will use and appreciate this new toilet facility.

“If the trial proves successful, further similar toilets could be installed across the BCP area.”