A new toilet block that is vandal proof and easy to clean is being proposed for Station Approach in Rye. On Monday 8 June, Rye Town Council agreed to put forward a funding bid for a new modular design to replace the current building.
After an extensive review led by Rebekah Gilbert, managed by a steering committee, the recommendation to replace the current station toilet facilities, agreed universally to be totally unfit for purpose, was unanimously approved by councillors.
As reported previously in Rye News, multiple options were considered before settling on what was considered to be most cost effective solution, which will now be the subject of a £200k grant request to the Rother Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy programme. As well as cost, other critical issues included safety, ease of maintenance, flexibility to match demand variations and resistance to vandalism.
The recommended approach is to use a modular or prefabricated approach, widely used for public conveniences across the UK and Europe, supplied by company called Danfo. Modular toilets are manufactured off-site and delivered ready to install, significantly reducing on-site construction time and disruption compared to traditional builds. They can be fitted into existing structures or installed as standalone units in new locations, making them a flexible option for councils looking to add or upgrade public facilities quickly and cost-effectively. Depending on specification, modular toilets can include a wide range of features: standard cubicles with toilets, urinals and washbasins as a minimum, through to fully accessible facilities with wide-access doorways for wheelchair users. Units can be fitted with payment systems, automatic doors, baby-changing facilities and anti-vandal finishes suited to high-footfall public locations.
In the town hall discussion, Councillors Smith Ellis and Boyd both expressed concern about the look of the new facilities in relation to the overall look and feel of Rye, while Councillor Hughes requested the opportunity to visit a facility that has been installed by the company. Councillor Hansen assured other council members that a wide range of cladding options were available. He also emphasised the safety and vandal-proof features that come with this approach.
The grant application was approved by the council, but with Councillor Creaser emphasising that actual progress was now required to make this project actually happen and Councillor Jonathan Breeds re-emphasising general council irritation that no revenue generating assets are being transferred to Rye, which could be used to help fund these types of critical infrastructure programmes.
If the initial expression of interest is approved by Rother the project will be invited to submit a full application, with a final decision expected in October 2026.
Image Credits: Julie McLaren .