Portable toilets have been installed at Shelly Bay Beach ready for the Heroes Day Holiday, with more permanent improvement in the works.

The move is one of several announced jointly by the Ministry of Public Works and the Bermuda Tourism Authority as they plan on moving forward with enhancements to the beach facilities.

The statement said: “Plans involve quick fixes for the immediate future, while additional plans are taking shape to permanently improve the public beach experience in the coming months for residents and visitors alike.

“In the short term, after consultation with the Department of Health, Department of Parks has arranged for portable toilets to be installed at Shelly Bay Beach ahead of the upcoming long holiday weekend to commemorate Heroes Day. Parks officials placed two portaloos at Shelly Bay Beach on Wednesday.

“They are located near the original restrooms under the beach house, and will be on site until the permanent restrooms are renovated and repaired.”

The statement also noted that the BTA is working with local entrepreneur Tom Steinhoff to bring more permanent improvements to the facilities. Government approvals have been granted to allow structural improvements to the building, the reopening of a restaurant and water sport rentals. Improvement plans also include reopening permanent restrooms for the public’s use, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works.

Pat Phillip-Fairn, the BTA’s chief product and experiences development officer, said: “This is an excellent example of how an improved tourism product can improve quality of experience for visitors and, by extension, enhance quality of life for Bermuda residents.

“We’ve helped to empower an entrepreneur who will inject capital into a beach facility that has been derelict for many years. Soon there will be a quality concession for the public beach at Shelly Bay that all of Hamilton Parish can use and be proud of; while at the same time, the BTA can confidently put Shelly Bay on the radars of visitors — particularly vacation renters who may have accommodations in the area.” The statement notes Mr Steinhoff was a successful applicant in the Tourism Experiences investment process last year.