Sandown Town Council Withdraws Support For Pier Street Toilets After Disposal Decision Deferred

Sandown Town Council has withdrawn its offer to fund or operate public toilets at the Pier Street site following a last-minute decision by Isle of Wight Council to defer plans to transfer or dispose of the asset.

The move comes after the Isle of Wight Council postponed consideration of the site’s future, citing the emergence of another interested party.

The land and building, located in the centre of Sandown on the Isle of Wight, have been subject to multiple redevelopment discussions over several years.

Mayor Alex Lightfoot expressed frustration at the delay.

“We find it incredibly disappointing that the decision has been pulled at the last minute due to another party coming forwards,” he said.

“We have been down this road before.

"Pier Street has undergone two marketing exercises spanning years, with zero progress to show for it.”

He added that the site remains of “key importance” to the town and said any future redevelopment must benefit residents, include public toilet provision, and adhere to clear delivery timelines.

Town Council Ends Seasonal Support

The Town Council confirmed it will no longer fund seasonal openings or maintenance of the Pier Street toilets, citing concerns over financial exposure and reputational risk due to the building’s deteriorating condition.

Historically, the council had supported limited seasonal and event-based openings and funded minor repairs while awaiting long-term regeneration.

However, it said there had been little meaningful investment in maintaining the structure.

In a statement, the council said continued involvement under the current circumstances was no longer viable.

It also withdrew its previous offer to either operate the existing facility or provide replacement toilets as part of a wider redevelopment scheme, stating it will only reconsider such commitments if it gains full ownership and control of the site.

Frustration Over Lack Of Progress

The Pier Street site was originally purchased by Sandown residents in the 1890s and transferred to Isle of Wight Council ownership in 1994.

Two separate marketing exercises by the Isle of Wight Council have failed to secure a development partner.

Mayor Lightfoot said the Town Council will now approach the matter on a competitive basis but remains open to working with the Isle of Wight Council.

“I hope that the Isle of Wight Council will see the value in treating the Town Council as a trusted local government partner, and not be driven by a potential capital receipt to fill a budget black hole,” he said.

Call For Timely Decision

The Town Council has requested that the issue be brought back to the appropriate committee as soon as possible, warning that further delays — particularly during the pre-election period — risk leaving the site unresolved for another year.

It says achieving a timely and practical redevelopment solution is essential to delivering long-term benefits for Sandown and its residents.