Temporary closure of Set of Steps at Milford on Sea Beach

A set of steps to Milford on Sea Beach have been temporarily closed due to erosion.

The concrete steps near to the Hurst Road Car Park Toilet Block, at the western end of the beach, have been cordoned off by New Forest District Council on safety grounds.

Picture by Advertiser & Times

The A&T reported that a council spokesperson said: “Recent erosion has resulted in a large drop-off at the base, and the steps are not safe for use. Alternative steps on to the beach are available to the east. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause.”

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About the Gull Wing Toilet Block

The Gull Wing Toilet Block is situated in Hurst Road Car Park near Milford on Sea Beach. The building was constructed in 2005 having been designed by John Pardey Architects.

This innovative building was the third of the loos on the site. The challenging exposed location faces the promenade and the sea, and the design had to address its unique seafront position. 

The entrance doors to the toilets open from the seafront. As the front is exposed to rain and prevailing winds, sometimes up to 100-mile an hour, a covered entrance portico and protective wall was included. The wall is faced in blue-green slate. The area to the front of the wall has public benches, so users can sit and enjoy the views across the sea to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

The gull wing roof is made from distinctive aluminium and has a 3m cantilever. Polycarbonate was used on the section beneath the roof to allow in obscured natural light. Glass was not used in this area as it would have been at risk from the frequent high winds that fling up pebbles from the nearby beach.

Vandal proof uplighters are integrated into the floor, and this was the first public loo where covered lighting was introduced to each cubicle.