A $1.9m facelift for a Seacliff beach area is causing a stink in the community

From unisex toilets to extending the boardwalk, this costly beach project is earmarked as a game-changer but not everyone’s happy with the plans.

An iconic Adelaide beach could be transformed by next summer but there’s one part of the project that’s raising a stink amongst community members.

The City of Holdfast Bay wants to spend $1.9m revitalising Seacliff Plaza.

The plans include a new unisex toilet block, disability accessible facilities and showers as well as extending the boardwalk.

In a detailed report, council said the toilet facilities at Seacliff Beach had reached the end of their ‘useful life’.

Concept images of $1.9m upgrade to Seacliff Plaza. City of Holdfast Bay

“The building structure itself had more than 25 years of useful life remaining,” the report said.

“However, the building was non-compliant from an accessibility perspective and is disconnected from the existing north-south footpath carriageway and presented safety issues.”

The proposed amenities building will feature a designated toilet for people with disabilities as well as showers, five unisex toilets, a parents’ room and a change area with lockers.

The boardwalk will also be extended while the footpaths will be widened.

Locals expressed concerns in the 5049 Coastal Community Facebook group.

“I was excited reading the first part about Seacliff Plaza, but as I read on I realised it’s really just updated toilets and showers,” Carolyn Spooner wrote.

“(It’s) not exciting at all.”

The upgraded layout to Seacliff Plaza. City of Holdfast Bay

Facebook user Martha Depasquale wrote: “This will definitely be an improvement, upgrading the toilet block is good. But (it’s) a missed opportunity not to make a more beautiful public space too.”

Council will also widen the current footpaths around and through the plaza, after reports of conflict between walkers, cyclists and Seacliff Surf Lifesaving Club because the current design channels pedestrians into the work space of the club.

Council set aside $1,070,000 as part of the 2021/22 annual business plan and there is also an additional State Government grant of $1 million available.

Council estimated the stage one construction cost to reach just over $1.9m

If approved, this project will align with the $2.7m upgrade of the Brighton and Seacliff Yacht Club.

That project includes a new kiosk, change rooms and improved disability access.

At its most recent meeting, the council moved that the report be adjourned until the end of March.

The councillors have called for consideration of alternative locations for positioning of the toilets and change rooms, with options and costings to be workshopped and brought back before the chamber before going out for public consultation.