Weymouth's new seafront 'superloo' is finally open to the public.

After a handover from Dorset Council, which oversaw the work, to Weymouth Town Council, the facility –which includes a beach office – is ready to use.

The contractors completed the work on Monday. The facility is now available although there will be an official opening tomorrow.

As reported, work to transform the former TIC building on the Esplanade began in October 2019, and was due to be completed at Easter.

The superloo was originally a project by the former Weymouth and Portland Borough Council but was taken over by Dorset Council.

The initial cost when it was approved by the borough council was £400,000 however the design changed and a bigger facility was agreed, putting the costs up to £650,000 before building commenced.

Construction was paused in March due to the coronavirus lockdown, but Dorset Council said further complications at the site delayed the project further, including the discovery of an asbestos roof, hidden foundations and utilities cables.

The ground floor provides 23 toilets in total, comprising 18 unisex toilets, 3 fully accessible toilets, a changing places space - a specially adapted toilet for people including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other visible and hidden disabilities - parent room and a family room. There will also be external showers for beachgoers who want to rinse off sand.

The new Beach Control Office is on the top floor and has an outdoor balcony offering better surveillance to improve public safety.

The town council will be using the lettable space itself to run a new café project.

Cllr Gary Suttle, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Skills at Dorset Council, said: “I am delighted to officially open this new toilet and beach control office. This has been a challenging project for our contractors, with inclement weather and the Covid-19 pandemic. The contractor decided to shut the site on 24 March. The site manager returned to the site on Monday 11 May and work recommenced using Covid secure practices. I want to extend my gratitude to the patience of the residents of Weymouth whist this facility has been built and we believe it will significantly enhance the experience for our visitors and residents alike.”

Weymouth Town Council is taking on the management of the facility now the project is completed.

Cllr Graham Winter, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said: “The completion of the Beach Control Office and toilet facilities is extremely welcome news. The new facilities will make a very positive difference to the town, and the family room in particular is a much needed addition to the seafront that will benefit visitors and locals.”

“The new office facilities within the building will also enhance the town council’s beach operation and will give staff a functional and central base to work from. The town council will be responsible for the future of the building and will maintain it to a high standard to ensure that it remains a fantastic asset for many years to come.”