Cllr Jim Martin, Cllr Jeremy Speakman and Cllr Tim Prater
A new mini toilet block powered by solar panels and boasting a green roof planted with wildflowers has been officially opened in Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park.
The new facility provides an additional four toilets – including one with full disabled access – for residents and visitors to the park, as well as a small commercial kiosk, near the foot of the Zig-Zag Path.
Cllr Jeremy Speakman, Cabinet Member for Assets and Operations, said: “With the popularity of the area continuing to grow, this investment of around £150,000 will help ease some of the queues for loos seen in recent years.
“With its solar panels and green roof, this is a great addition to the Coastal Park for residents and visitors alike.”
The solar panels on top of the block will generate enough energy to power the toilets, the hot water and the vast majority of electricity needed to operate the kiosk.
This is the latest upgrade to the Lower Leas Coastal Park, with the recent addition of the new children’s pirate ship and planned improvements to the accessible play area later this year.
Suggestions for a drop kerb to access the ‘Cow Path’ to and from the park have been also considered but had to be rejected due to accessibility experts’ safety concerns.
The new kiosk is being marketed through the Kent Business Portal. If you are interested, please register and submit your bid in accordance with the terms and deadlines advertised.
It is hoped the kiosk will be up and running before the school summer break begins. Enquiries can be sent to procurement@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk