Stars inspire Waikato town's toilets

Tuesday, 9 April 2019

New toilets in Tokoroa's Leith Pl will represent the Southern Cross constellation.

The Southern Cross has been wowing people for centuries. Now it's hoped it will bring a 'wow factor' to new public toilets in Tokoroa.

The South Waikato District Council has unveiled the design for new public toilets which will take centre stage in Tokoroa's almost $4 million upgrade of Leith Pl.

Five individual toilets will be placed in the area, which is the town's main shopping precinct off State Highway 1, marking out the Southern Cross constellation.

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The cross has long been used as a navigation tool by Māori, Pasifika and Europeans and was deemed appropriate for a town renowned for its dynamic mix of cultures.

It comes after the council voted down going almost $1 million over budget in 2018 to build an i-SITE building cum amphitheatre and viewing platform in the area which was posed to bring a much needed 'wow factor' to the town.

The toilets will each form cylinders made from metal and wood of varying heights up to nine metres. Topped with a shining disc the aim is to catch the attention of passing motorists.

They will be joined by a covered walkway for shelter with a larger shelter at one end for bus passengers.

The design will also create balance with the southern end of the street which will feature a forest of pole carvings known as the Talking Poles and the iconic Chainsaw Man.

Chief executive Ben Smit said the council 'loved' the new design which has been months in the making.

'We had looked at two designs but the other design doesn't offer the wow factor that this one does.

'It provides shelter and cool toilets and a wide range of ways that the space can be activated,' he said.

Smit said there would be no danger of going over budget with the design.

'The budget will be adhered to. This is why we moved from the i-SITE building to the toilets.

'The second stage of the project, which includes toilets, shelter, paving and landscaping of the plaza area is just under half of the budget.

'We will be working with industry to get the best outcome in terms of costs and timing for construction,' he said.

The design was created by award winning architects DCA Architects who also designed the Redwood Forest toilets, International Honey HQ in the Bay of Plenty, and the Toi-Ohomai Health and Science Building in Tauranga.