Toilets project well under way

Photo/File

Renovation has started on Wanganui's women's public restrooms, known as the Ladies' Rest, in St Hill St and work will start next week on the Abbot St public toilets.

Rowan McGregor, Wanganui District Council property manager, said the demolition of interior fixtures at the Ladies' Rest had been completed and work was on track for completion by December 20.

Mr McGregor said six new toilets would be installed as well as a parents' room, an accessible toilet and a smaller, children's toilet. The improvements include a new benchtop and washbasins.

He said the foyer will be upgraded and the door from the foyer to the toilet block will be widened for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. As well, the restroom section of the building will be earthquake strengthened.

"This restroom received the most complaints from the public because of its rundown condition, and it did not have a good earthquake rating," he said.

"It was long overdue for refurbishment. Unfortunately, there is some temporary inconvenience for women who wish to use the facilities but we have a port-a-loo on site and there are also the Orient public toilets available at 71 Victoria Ave."

He said the Abbot St toilets, at the Gonville shopping centre, will close on Monday and reopen a week later.

This closure is for renewal and clean-down of interior items such as floor coverings and toilet pans. During this five-day shutdown, the public toilet facilities will be closed, although a port-a-loo will be available in the shopping centre car park.