Plans to install bottle refill station at Ha'Penny Pier

Harwich Haven Authority has applied to install a water bottle refill station for members of the public at the Ha’Penny Pier, which is managed by the authority. 

In the application form, the authority states: “It is a historic pier which attracts many visitors each year, including yachts and other tourists and local residents.  

“The Pier hosts a visitor centre, a cafe and ice cream kiosk, pontoons for visiting yachts as well as a seal watching and foot ferry business.  

Plans - Harwich Haven Authority has applied for permission to have a bottle refill station installed on the Ha'Penny Pier (Image: Milsom Hotels and Restaurant)

“The water refill station will be located on the pier close to these businesses to allow people to refill their water bottles and reduce the use of single-use water bottles.  

“Currently, there are no provisions for publicly accessible drinking water in Harwich and Dovercourt.” 

The authority wants to install a unit specially designed for outdoor use to offer free access to drinking water and to reduce plastic waste in the area by bolting the unit to the pier. 

Tendring Council’s planning office offered pre-application advice, which suggested the “colour of the refill fountain to be sympathetic to its surroundings as it is in the Harwich Conservation Area”. 

Harwich Haven Authority has researched manufacturers, suggesting a dark blue fountain. 

“The proposed colour is dark blue which will be in keeping with the Ha’Penny Pier setting, including existing signage of the same colour that is also visible from the street scene.” 

Bosses at Tendring Council will have the final say.