Isle of Wight beauty spot car park set for 2023 revamp

New loos and a redesigned natural-looking car park at Compton Bay have been unveiled by the National Trust.

The trust has announced plans to improve the visitor facilities at the car park, as part of a wider investment in the Compton landscape.

Scroll down to see views of Compton Bay and the car park as it looks now.

The proposed layout of the card park. (Image: National Trust)

This will include making the site more environmentally friendly, while updating the area to meet the needs of visitors.

Working with Island-based designers, the plan is to change the car park layout, making it more accessible and safer.

The trust will use natural materials to help mark out car parking spaces, and will improve entry and exit to the site, including improvements to visibility along Military Road.

The plans include replacing the crumbling tarmac area 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.

Compton Bay now. (Image: Newsquest)

As part of the investment, the car park will have an improved entry point and a mini round-about will be created within the site to help with traffic flow.

New Compton Bay toilets

As well as changes to the layout, the charity also plans to improve visitor facilities with a brand-new toilet block.

The trust says this has been 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.

This includes as few ground works as possible using and solar energy for lighting.

Inside there will be three unisex cubicles, a larger accessible WC, including baby change facilities, and a ‘Changing Places’ cubicle which has the highest standards of accessibility for those who need it.

Senior programme manager, Ben Savill said, “We hope 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.”

Will I still be able to use the car park?

The improvements are planned to take place during 2023, although this is dependent on planning approval, and the trust says works will be carried out with as little disruption to visitors as possible.

The plan is to work in a phased manner to ensure the car park remains open throughout for everyone to access and enjoy, with full closure only required for a brief period to improve site access. There will be further communication around this nearer the time.

You can find out more and follow the progress of the project HERE

If you’d like to share any thoughts you have on the project, either as a community group or individual, the trust is asking that you email comptonbay@nationaltrust.org.uk