We've completed works on some exciting improvements to the visitor facilities at Compton Bay car park, as part of a wider investment in the Compton landscape. This included making the site more environmentally friendly, whilst updating the area to meet the needs of visitors.
Working with Island-based designers, we've changed the car park layout, making it more accessible and safer. We’ve used natural materials to help mark out car parking spaces and we've replaced the crumbling tarmac area - which was a pollution hazard - with a new green space, so that people can use it to enjoy cliff-top views, and safely access the food and beverage areas, without the worry of moving traffic.
As well as changes to the layout, we've improved visitor facilities with a brand-new toilet block. The previous toilets did not provide the standard of experience visitors expect. The new block is more accessible and environmentally friendly, allowing more people to enjoy the area.
Inside there are three unisex cubicles, including baby change facilities, a larger accessible WC, and a ‘Changing Places’ standard cubicle which has the highest standards of accessibility, and provides a hygienic and dignified space, for those that have complex disabilities.
The block was carefully designed in a modular fashion, allowing it to be relocated if and when cliff erosion requires it. The design of the new block uses sustainable techniques to keep its environmental impact low, and includes solar panels to reduce energy consuption. We have designed it to blend into the landscape by using natural materials.
Jennie Healey, National Trust Project Manager, said: “We have taken a similar approach on other Island coastal schemes and it highlights the environmental importance of being able to source local construction materials. This is a feature that runs throughout the project and makes it truly sustainable, which is very important to us."
We hope that the improved facilities will encourage visitors to not only enjoy the beauty of Compton Bay beach but also to explore the wildlife-rich Compton Downs area and to discover the work we are doing here to improve the land for nature.
We know how important the Military Road is to the Isle of Wight and the people that live and visit here. As one of the land owners adjacent to the road, we are working with various third-parties and looking at all possible ways forward. The new toilets have been designed in such a way that they can be moved to an alternative site if needed. For more information regarding our position on the Military Road, please see this article.
If you’d like to share any thoughts you have on the project, either as a community group or individual, please email comptonbay@nationaltrust.org.uk
December 2022
Documents giving details of proposed plans for Compton car park and toilets submitted to Isle of Wight Council planning department. The plans include a new toilet block and car park layout.
Find out how to get to Compton Bay and Downs, where to park, the things to see and do and more.
Discover the Isle of Wight project that aims to return the landscape to wildlife, where people can walk, as well as enjoy butterfly and birdwatching.
Discover one of the Isle of Wight’s favourite spots with plenty of space to explore, search for fossils, spot local wildlife, surf, cycle and ride your horse.
Go fossil hunting and discover history on a gigantic scale, with dinosaur footprints, fossilised oyster shells, ammonites, flint made from ancient sponges and modern-day shipwrecks
One of the Island's favourite beaches and biggest expanses of open downland