An unsightly toilet block is in line to be “completely redeveloped” - igniting hopes it will be transformed into a seafront café.

The Hampton Pleasure Ground facilities in Swalecliffe Avenue, Herne Bay, escaped closure back in July after 290 residents objected to Canterbury City Council’s proposals to shut the site down in a bid to save £13,000.

But now authority bosses are considering the loos’ long-term future and whether to revamp the structure.

Senior town councillor Andrew Cook wants the block - which he calls a “blot on the landscape” - to be replaced.

“Not only have we saved Hampton toilets but we’ve proposed the whole site for upgrading,” the Tory said.

“If we don’t do anything with it, the toilets will be closed.

“I’d want to see a respectable building that overlooks the sea and has multiple-facility use - something aesthetically pleasing and useful.

“A set of quality loos, a café facility or better, and something that accommodates the table tennis club.

“In a nutshell, there is an opportunity to make a real upgrade for the area. Complete redevelopment is our aim.”

Cllr Cook is urging locals to speak to him or his cabinet colleagues about what they would like to see done to the toilets.

The Conservative says a report will then be presented to the cabinet in the new year, after which a formal consultation on the plans for the site could be held.

He insists the council hopes to provide Hampton with “a facility that services all the residents” and can further boost the town’s coastline.

Speaking to KentOnline, couple Dave and Joanne Corfield, who have lived in Herne Bay for more than 10 years, called for the building to be given a facelift.

They explained: “It’s really busy in the mornings and a lot of people say it would be nice if you could get a cup of tea here.

“Lots of people are down here at weekends, too - runners often take off from this area.

“You get a tea place here, you’d make a fortune - there’s nothing round here.”

Cllr Neil Baker – who previously called for the block to demolished and replaced with a glass-fronted café – hopes this will pave the way for the plot to be transformed into “a destination”.

Dog-walker Jerry Bedford shares the hopes of upgrades to the area.

“This would be an ideal place to have a café, like they do up at Reculver,” he added.

“It doesn’t need to be posh, just decent, clean loos, a changing area and a café would be good.”

The Herne Bay Table Tennis Club, which uses the building, welcomed the chance for investment from the council.

A spokesperman says members are “grateful for the authority’s commitment to work with us to ensure we can continue to provide a local table tennis facility for the whole community long into the future”.

Anyone wanting to have their say, should contact their local councillor or members of the authority’s cabinet.