Old look hides swish new loos

New, but old-looking, loos in Martinborough's Square will soon be ready for use.

The old toilets were removed last week and the new Exeloo unit is expected to be fully functional next week..

South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) facilities and parks officer Helen McNaught said the new public toilets were part of the SWDC's Long Term Plan and were first discussed in 2011.

"Modern ablution blocks are now expected by the community and are especially important to visitors," Mrs McNaught said. The cost of the Exeloos for both towns is about $274,000, the individual price for the Martinborough toilet unit is about $137,000.

The council had considered refurbishing the toilets but decided replacement would be more cost-effective. The design of the new toilets, a Jupiter triple unit, was chosen by SWDC officers and the Martinborough Community Board and is in keeping with the historical look of the town.

"The design is a prefabricated unit by Exeloo ... with the exterior designed to fit in with local heritage buildings, particularly the adjacent museum," Mrs McNaught said.

There will be three cubicles, one with a urinal and the other two with a toilet and basin. One of the toilets will be fully accessible for wheelchair users and will contain a baby change table. The toilets have stainless-steel fittings which are designed to be vandal-resistant, timed-flow taps on the basins and electric hand-driers.

"The new toilets are very efficient on water use and energy consumption.

"Modern technology behind the scenes makes the toilets easier and less costly to maintain," Mrs McNaught said. Landscaping, including the transfer of roses from Memorial Square, is still to be completed. Portaloos on Texas St are available until the toilets are finished.