Public toilets
Council aims to install or upgrade one new public toilet in Yarra each year, subject to funding being approved as part of Council’s annual capital works budget.
We want to make sure Yarra has a decent spread of modern, clean, disability-compliant toilets in areas where people gather.
In September 2011, a new public toilet (pictured at right) opened in Victoria Street, Fitzroy, near the intersection with Brunswick Street.
In addition to the toilet, a drinking fountain, bike hoops and new street lighting was installed. A parking bay for people with disabilities was also created near the toilet. Four parking spaces in Victoria Street were removed to make way for the toilet and extended kerb. The entire project cost about $250,000.
The Victoria Street location was selected by Council after it abandoned plans for a toilet on the corner of Brunswick and Westgarth streets, Fitzroy. Following objections to that location from local organisations and residents, Council officers investigated other potential sites along Brunswick Street, and suggested the Victoria Street site. Council’s long-term plan is to find three suitable locations for public toilets along Brunswick Street.
Next public toilet to be installed - Queens Parade, North Fitzroy
At its June 2011 meeting, Council decided to install a unisex, automated public toilet in Queens Parade. The toilet will be installed on an extended kerb in Queens Parade, near the intersection with Michael Street.
Council is expected to allocate $250,000 in its 2012/2013 capital works budget for the purchase and installation of the toilet, and associated works such as the installation of a drinking fountain and bike hoops. The toilet is expected to open in mid-2013.
The Commonwealth Bank objected to the toilet being located near its branch, saying it would create safety concerns. The owner of the building which is leased to the bank also objected.
Despite those objections, Council decided to proceed with the toilet at this location.
A public toilet is needed in this busy shopping strip, especially for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Council does not expect that the toilet will attract anti-social behaviour.
The approved location in Queens Parade was assessed by Council officers to be a suitable site for the toilet last year, after Council decided not to go ahead with a different site. Council abandoned a proposal to install the toilet in Michael Street, near Queens Parade, after more than 100 residents objected.
The toilet will operate during the restricted hours of 7am-9pm daily. It will have a green cast iron exterior (as shown in the above mocked-up image), after feedback from local businesses and residents indicated that exterior was preferred over the usual stainless steel exterior.
Further Information
Karen Hayes
Coordinator - Council Property
9205 5711
Karen.Hayes@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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