Public toilets up for rent in Auckland

Five sites are being rented by Auckland Council. Photo / Thinkstock

Five Auckland public toilets are up for rent, with a public open day to be held at the dunnies.

The heritage buildings are for tender by Auckland Council which said the opportunities for transformation are endless.

"Similar projects in New Zealand and abroad have seen public toilets transformed into cafes, bars, retail spaces, galleries, salons and more," said Auckland Council's general manager property, Ian Wheeler.

"We look forward to seeing a range of ideas."

The five toilets are on Customs St West, Wellesley St East, the corner of Market Place and Sturdee St, at the Kingsland Rail Station on New North Rd and in the Sandringham Reserve on Sandringham Rd.

Auckland Council's property, building consent and urban design teams will be considering applicants who "propose initiatives that draw people into the space and showcase the heritage aspects of each site".

A handful of public toilets have been transformed into bars and cafes.

A former toilet block on Auckland's Beresford Square has housed a number of restaurants and bars.

The Welsh Dragon Bar on Wellington's Cambridge Terrace used to be home to a public toilet as well as pizza and gelato kiosk Tommy Millions on Courtney Place.

Expressions of interest are being sought from today until August 17.

The council said it had worked through the unique specifications of each site and consulted with local boards, who have offered their support on the project.

A public open day will be held at each site next Saturday from 10am - 4pm. Council staff will be on hand to discuss the project.

• To put in an expression of interest, and read a brochure detailing the history of the city's public toilets, visit the Auckland Council website.

• Queries should be sent to: heritagetoilets@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.