Browns Bay set for major accessibility upgrade with new facilities

Browns Bay on the east Antrim coast

Visitors to Browns Bay are set to benefit from major new improvements later this year as Mid and East Antrim Borough Council prepares to begin construction of enhanced toilet, shower and accessibility facilities at the popular coastal site.

Works are due to begin in early June 2026 and will deliver a significant upgrade for beach users, swimmers, tourists and people with additional needs visiting one of the borough’s best-known seaside locations.

The project includes the construction of a dedicated “Changing Places” unit — a specialist accessible toilet facility designed for people with complex disabilities and additional care needs — alongside new male and female toilets and outdoor shower facilities.

The investment marks one of the most substantial public facility upgrades at Browns Bay in recent years and comes as demand continues to grow for more accessible and inclusive tourism infrastructure across Northern Ireland’s coastline.

Accessibility at the centre of plans

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council says the new facilities are intended to improve the experience for both residents and visitors using the beach throughout the year.

Located on the north of the Islandmagee peninsula, Browns Bay is a horse-shoe shaped bay positioned between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point. The beach has become a popular destination for open-water swimmers, walkers, families and visitors exploring the Causeway Coastal Route and surrounding coastline.

Existing amenities at the site have long been viewed as limited given the growing popularity of the area, particularly during warmer months and holiday periods.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the development reflects the council’s wider commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

He said:

“Inclusion and accessibility are vitally important to Council and we are pleased to have secured planned works to provide new, improved, accessible facilities at Browns Bay.

“As an important asset in our Borough, Browns Bay provides safe bathing and breathtaking scenery for both residents and visitors alike. This investment is expected to encourage more residents and visitors to make use of the fantastic coastline in the years ahead.

“I am particularly pleased to see a dedicated Changing Places unit included in the plans for the facility – ensuring that all visitors to this wonderful site have their needs catered for.”

Facilities aimed at swimmers, tourists and touring vehicles

Alongside the new toilet block and accessibility features, the development will also include new outdoor showers for swimmers and beach users.

A section of the building will additionally provide a sluice facility for touring vehicles, allowing for the disposal of chemical toilet waste — a move likely to benefit motorhome and caravan visitors travelling through the area.

The council says temporary toilet facilities currently in place at Browns Bay will remain operational throughout the construction period until the new building is completed.

At a glance:

• Construction due to begin in early June 2026

• New male and female toilets planned

• Dedicated “Changing Places” accessibility unit included

• Outdoor shower facilities to be installed

• Sluice facility planned for touring vehicles

• Existing temporary toilets to remain during works

• Facilities expected to open before the end of 2026

Growing focus on accessible coastal tourism

The inclusion of a Changing Places facility is likely to be particularly significant for families and carers who require access to larger, specialist accessible toilets not typically available in standard public conveniences.

Changing Places units are designed to support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, spinal injuries and other conditions requiring additional equipment and space.

The upgrade also reflects broader efforts across councils and tourism bodies to make beaches and outdoor attractions more inclusive and better equipped for year-round use.

Council anticipates the new facilities will be fully operational before the end of 2026.