ORANGE business owner John Corrie has branded Orange City Council’s plan to approve the construction of a toilet block in McNamara Street “outrageous”.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Council staff recommend councillors approve the brick development, on the eastern side of Robertson Park, at tomorrow night’s council meeting.
Mr Corrie, who owns McNamara House at 60-62 McNamara Street, said it was unfortunate his building, which he said had built a reputation for its architectural merit, would be located so close to a toilet block.
He said the new facility was unnecessary as people should just use the existing facilities adjacent to Orange City Library or in the CWA hall in Robertson Park.
“I’m not a civic planner but it seems to me we should be able to use the toilets within the CWA complex,” he said.
“The CWA doesn’t pay rates and actually doesn’t seem to use it, it’s a declining organisation.”
Mr Corrie said he didn’t understand why the CWA and council didn’t work together to upgrade existing facilities and install additional signage.
He said he had several concerns about the building’s close proximity to the private hospital and other businesses in McNamara Street, and fears it may attract undesirable behaviour.
Mr Corrie said he was surprised to hear council would consider approving a development it rejected years ago.
“All of a sudden it’s resurfaced,” he said.
“It’s sneaking up from the shadows but it should go back in the shadows where it belongs.”
He said the toilet block would better service the needs of the city if it was near the taxi rank on the other side of Robertson Park in Lords Place.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
