Work on new toilet and changing facilities at Ainsdale Beach in Southport have been delayed and will now begin later this year.
Sefton Council had hoped that the new offering would be in pl;ace in time for this year’s summer season.
But they have now blamed “an extremely challenging time within the construction sector, with exacerbating supply chains and inflated prices”.
They remain committed to carrying out the work while ensuring that “budgets are maintained, and improvement works are delivered to a high quality”.
Earlier this year, Sefton Council announced a delay to creating a new off-beach car park at Ainsdale Beach.
Maintenance work at Toad Hall in Ainsdale will continue until September this year, with work being done to make the building structure safe and watertight.
In January this year, Sefton Council went out to tender for works to deliver improved facilities at Ainsdale-On-Sea. The tender was live until February 10.
As part of additional funding for 2023, Sefton Council has been keen to deliver further improvements to toilet and wash facilities.
This would see a full refurbishment of the building, the reintroduction of shower facilities, drinking water and an accessible Changing Places toilet installed too.
The funding would enable the delivery of infrastructure improvements to the coastal gateway, including the development of an off beach car park.
An updated planning application was submitted earlier this year with works put out to tender.
When completed, the car park will have solar-powered pay and display machines, cycle parking and electric vehicle charging points. Monies generated from parking charges will fund new Rangers on site to welcome and guide visitors as well as repaying a loan for the funding.
Once completed, the car park will provide an alternative parking area for visitors in the summer months and will allow parking during the winter unaffected by weather and tides.
A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “As well as being a popular spot for beach lovers, Ainsdale-On-Sea is an important asset that Sefton Council is committed to developing and protecting for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
“The council is in the process of appointing a contractor to undertake the toilet refurbishment works at Ainsdale-On-Sea.
“The contractor identified is to submit a final cost estimate and updated delivery programme to the council, which should then allow works to begin later this year.
“The positive news comes during an extremely challenging time within the construction sector, with exacerbating supply chains and inflated prices having a knock-on effect on tender processes.
“Following a competitive tender process, quotes to undertake the work were significantly higher than anticipated.
“Council officers and external consultants have been diligent and thorough throughout the tender process and sought an immediate review of alternative compliant contractor routes to identify another contractor.
“The council has a financial responsibility to ensure that budgets are maintained, and improvement works are delivered to a high quality. The additional time required to explore tender options is expected to deliver a financial saving compared to the original tenders received.
“Earlier this year, the council, due to unforeseen circumstances and the need to ensure the highly sensitive natural environment at Ainsdale-On-Sea is protected, announced a delay to the works to deliver an off-beach car park.
“As well as being a popular beach for visitors, Ainsdale on Sea is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, which Sefton Council is committed to protecting.
“After the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service, and other consultees, informed the council of concerns about the specialist survey of the site carried out by external consultants, the decision has been taken to delay this scheme while the council reviews the vision for Ainsdale-On-Sea.
“Following conversations with residents and community groups on the works at Ainsdale-on-Sea, the council is looking to develop an updated vision for the coastal gateway in response to the feedback received.
“A coordinated approach is being developed to inform investment decisions, with a focus on seasonal use, and future potential funding sources.
“This work will look at all assets at the coastal gateway, including The Sands, Toad Hall, council operational bases, and potential leisure, education, and recreational opportunities.
“Maintenance work to Toad Hall will continue until September this year, with work being done to make the building structure safe and watertight.”
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