|
The public toilet facility in Shaw Park has
experienced ongoing vandalism, resulting in repeated periods where the
toilets are out of service while repairs are undertaken.
A range of vandal-resistant measures have recently
been implemented, including steel brackets over toilet roll holders,
anti-theft screws on bulkhead plates, and minimalist toilet pans. Hand driers
and soap dispensers have also been removed to reduce damage.
While the fixtures and fittings are now sufficiently
robust, the building layout and surrounding environment remain key factors
influencing the ongoing issues. The internal layout of the building and its
setback from the road limit passive surveillance and contribute to the
facility being used for antisocial behaviour.
The toilets are located within a
wider cluster of public toilet facilities (Attachment A). Should antisocial
behaviour and vandalism continue, staff suggest considering decommissioning
the Shaw Park toilets.
If the Shaw Park toilets were
decommissioned, there is currently no Parks-owned land in the surrounding
area that would accommodate a new toilet block. One possible location may be
suitable: the New Brighton Mall Playground (One Fish
Playground). However, if the proposed road connection between Beresford
Street and Hawke Street proceeds, a toilet block may not be able to be
accommodated due to setback requirements, its positioning on legal road and
the need for neighbour agreement. The Board’s decision on the road
connection is anticipated in approximately 12 months. Note, if a toilet block
were built on New Brighton Mall Playground if would be within 50 meters for
the publicly accessible privately owned New Brighton Village Green toilets.
A separate project is currently
underway to investigate bus layover options in New Brighton, within which the
provision of toilet facilities will also be considered. No decisions have
been made at this stage, and any outcomes are expected to be some time away.
Depending on the preferred layover location, the project may consider
utilising existing public toilet facilities, the existing Shaw Park toilets
may be an option or, alternatively, installing a driver-only facility on a
private site. At this early stage, it is not possible to provide definitive
information.
|
