Input sought on loo redesign

BETTER: The public toilets in Paihia following their extreme makeover as part of a creative communities project. Volunteers spent 10 days transforming the loos, which had previously been described as the worst in New Zealand.

Carterton residents are being encouraged to get creative with their ideas for an extreme makeover for the public toilets.

The toilets are being redesigned as part of the council's creative communities programme, with residents being given the chance to submit their ideas for a new design.

A3 flyers with a black and white sketch of the toilets will be delivered throughout Carterton next week, and once completed all entries will go on display in the Carterton Events Centre.

Residents will then be able to vote for their favourite design, which will be used to transform the toilets beside Carrington Park.

Councillor Greg Lang said the toilets were an ideal site for the makeover, which is part of the programme that has already seen retailers place benches outside shops and a balance beam outside the bank.

"[It's] a good first-off project before we tackle anything too big ... they are a blank canvas."

As well as creating a focal point for the town, it was hoped transforming the toilets would also encourage tourists to stop and spend more time in Carterton.

"It's making the town so everyone wants to be there, so it feels like you're in your lounge at home, making it user-friendly," he said.

"It's all about the community getting involved in designing and creating these places."

Mr Lang urged residents to take an "anything is possible" approach with their entries, as the redesign could be more than just a new paint job.

Once a design is chosen, a working bee will be held to complete the makeover.

Entries are due by March 27.