IT may be years behind schedule, but a toilet block will be built in Robertson Park and its redesign will lead to a rollout of new toilets at sportsgrounds across the city to replace ageing amenities.
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Council staff unveiled designs for a modern a three-cubicle automatic toilet block for the park early last year, but abandoned the plan after a last minute complaint from former mayor Dick Niven who spoke out against the toilets’ location near his law firm in McNamara Street.
Council spokesman Allan Reeder said building designers were appointed late last year to draft engineering plans for toilets to be built in a number of locations around Orange including Perry Oval. The concept plans are expected by late February, but the Robertson Park toilets’ location won’t be decided until after nearby businesses and the community is consulted.
“In the same way as Orange City Council now has a standard design for bus shelters around Orange, the new design would let a standard toilet block be built at a lower cost, which could then be adapted to suit different settings,” Mr Reeder said.
“In a sportsground, the standard design could be adapted to add showers and change rooms.
“In Robertson Park a suitable exterior facade could be added which suits the backdrop.”
"The new design would let a standard toilet block be built at a lower cost, which could then be adapted to suit different settings"
Late last year, council staff began discussions with the CWA members to consider building the toilet block adjoining the Robertson Park hall.
Mr Reeder said all appropriate possibilities would be considered and no places had been ruled out as locations for the stand-alone toilet building - including the McNamara Street side.
The automatic feature of the toilets will allow the buildings to be locked and unlocked at pre-set times.
Mr Reeder said Portaloos will be used for major community events in Robertson Park such as the Banjo Festival night markets and Anzac Day until the new toilets are built.
As well as Robertson Park and Perry Oval, a new toilet block may be built near the John Lomas Skate Park, Mr Reeder said, but so far there is no budget provision for the project.
