NEW proposals to transform a Hampshire quay include a glass-fronted cafe and a rooftop terrace with stunning views across the water.

Civic chiefs are planning to bulldoze a toilet block at Lymington Town Quay and replace it with a larger complex containing showers for visiting yachtsmen, plus other facilities.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the proposed revamp has been postponed by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The delay has resulted in a new-look scheme that will include cafe and possibly a bar. The price tag has risen from £700,000 to £1.2m, largely as a result of increased building costs.

A planning application is due to be submitted in the next few weeks, with work finishing by spring next year.

New Forest District Council is funding the scheme with the aid of contributions from Lymington Harbour Commissioners and Lymington and Pennington Town Council.

The latest proposals to replace the "out of date" toilet block have welcomed by the Lymington Society.

A spokesperson said the latest scheme comprised a more ambitious building which would include a roof terrace and an attractive café bar.

They added: "It will help bring life and vitality to this important site on the Town Quay, which is crying out for a more eye-catching and exciting building.

"This more modern style was overwhelmingly supported over a more traditional style in a recent public consultation.

"The Society also supports this attractive building, which will hopefully make the Town Quay an even more interesting and attractive place to visit and which will remove the much disliked and out of date toilet building.

"However, we are disappointed that the district council has shelved its previous plan to carry out improvements to public spaces at the Quay.

"The plan involved a reduction of the area used for parking and an increase in space for visitors to enjoy their stay without feeling that the Quay is mainly a car park.

"There are many car parks within walking distance and some reduction on the Quay could allow this important area to be made more attractive for visitors and local people alike."

A survey published in 2019 showed that 81% of those who took part said the building should have a flat roof.

Speaking at the time Alison Hoare, the district council's cabinet member for environment and regulatory services, said: “It is clear we now have a project that the community would like to see built.

"They have also made it clear that in this special location it needs to be of a quality and standard that is appropriate. Our task with our partners is now to develop a project that both meets these objectives and is affordable.”

Paul Bulkeley, of Snug Architects, added: "The consultation has identified clear support for an inhabited flat roof.

"We will now be working up a more detailed proposal that seeks to balance the community’s wider priorities and concerns.

"This is an exciting opportunity to create a building the whole community can be proud of.”