CONVERTING a storm shelter into new pubic toilets in Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens could cost £200,000.

Tenders for the contract with the town council close at 12 noon on Friday (November 6) and the work is expected be carried out from January to March next year.

The project will also see the former men’s toilet block in the gardens turned into an accessible cubicle.

Councillors have already earmarked funds to cover the cost of the project, which became necessary because of the poor state of conveniences they inherited from the unitary Somerset Council in 2025.

The existing men’s toilets had to be closed and the women’s conveniences were converted to provide two unisex cubicles.

Town clerk Ben Parker said the approach had been practical at the time, but had since created a number of operational issues for the council.

Mr Parker said: “The redevelopment of the former storm shelter will provide improved and an increased number of public toilet facilities within Blenheim Gardens and represents a significant investment in the town’s visitor and community infrastructure.”

He had met with a number of prospective contractors and there had been ‘encouraging interest in the project’.

The final phase of the architectural work was progressing, and the detailed building regulations drawings were currently with Somerset Council’s building control officers for approval.

Preliminary drawings had also been included in the tender documentation to assist contractors in preparing their submissions.

Mr Parker said: “The overall aim remains to commence works as soon as practicable in early 2027 following contractor appointment, with the aspiration of opening the new facilities to the public by March 1.

He said although £200,000 was set aside, the overall project cost would be unknown until tenders had been evaluated.

A detailed financial assessment would then be presented to council to confirm affordability and any budget implications arising from the bids.