A civic plaza, increased safety and accessibility and baby changing facilities in the CBD are all part of a proposed toilet upgrade currently out for community consultation.
Located on Barolin Street between the post office and Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, maintaining the historic charm of the building is also a key factor of the concept designs.
The community can now view the concept and provide feedback on the proposed upgrade and surrounding park features.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s parks and gardens portfolio spokesperson Cr Wayne Honor said the toilet block was in a small park space between the facilities, which would also be upgraded as part of the project.
He said Council identified the need for the upgrade to meet modern-day accessibility, construction, and safety standards.
“Council is hoping to upgrade the area to not only discourage anti-social behaviour, but also to provide a safe space for the community while implementing modern-day requirements, such as baby changeroom features and disability access, to what is an outdated toilet facility,” he said.
“We are hoping that through a survey process, residents can provide some feedback about the design and what details it should incorporate before construction gets underway.”
Cr Honor said the toilet block was situated in a Neighbourhood Character Site, as identified in the Heritage and Neighbourhood Character Overlay Code.
He said while the toilet block itself was not listed on any Heritage Registers, the proposed design aimed to complement the cultural heritage of the nearby Bundaberg Post Office and Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery.
“There will be certain historic elements incorporated into the new facility as well as some modern aspects to keep in line with accessibility requirements,” he said.
“This includes a four-cubicle unisex toilet block which will feature one ambulant cubicle, one fully disability compliant cubicle and a baby change table.
“The open design will create an improved safe and secure public environment.”
Civic plaza upgrade
Cr Honor said as part of the project, a proposed civic plaza was planned for the front of the Pensioner’s League and adjacent to the toilet block.
“This will include works to the concrete pathway as well as new and additional seating, a new drinking fountain and landscaping in the area,” he said.
“These upgrades will greatly improve the park area, providing a nice space for the community to utilise while visiting the CBD.”
The community is invited to provide feedback on the project via a survey until 3 April 2022 here.
Use the QR Code here to complete the survey and read more about the project.
Paper copies of the survey are available by calling 1300 883 699 or visiting any Council customer service centre.
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