New Public Toilets for Leith Place
Latest news
28 February: New Relocatable Public Toilets for Leith Place in Tokoroa - South Waikato District Council
South Waikato District Council is pleased to announce that new relocatable toilets will be installed at the Leith Place carpark in April, to replace the existing toilets.
These toilets will replace the existing toilets. Thorough assessment by Council found design faults with the existing toilets resulting in an unsustainable level of maintenance and repair costs. The new toilets, which will be built by Portabuild, will cost around $600,000 to install. The toilets will be constructed off-site and transported to the site in April, taking approximately five days to install. The existing public toilets in Leith Place will continue to operate during this time.
Should there be changes to Leith Place, the toilets are able to be uplifted and relocated.
FAQs
Why are the current toilets being replaced?
The existing toilets are costly to maintain and repair, which has become unsustainable. Replacing them with relocatable toilets is a more cost-effective solution and will provide the community with a fit-for-purpose facility long term.
Who is constructing the new toilets?
The new toilets are being constructed by Portabuild, a company based in Matamata.
How much money was spent on the original toilets?
The toilets were part of a wider project, but the cost of the toilets themselves was around $200,000.
How much will the new relocatable toilets cost?
The estimated costs for the new toilets is $600,000.
When will the new toilets be installed?
The relocatable toilets will be installed in April 2025. The installation process will take approximately five days.
Why are relocatable toilets being chosen instead of building permanent facilities?
Relocatable toilets are a more flexible and cost-effective option in the short term. They provide a temporary solution while the Council evaluates the long-term needs of the Community. The relocatable toilets are fully functional and accessible, and they can be easily moved or replaced as necessary.
Will the existing toilets be operational during the installation?
Yes, the existing public toilets in Leith Place will continue to operate during the installation of the new toilets.
What are the benefits of the new relocatable toilets?
The new toilets are expected to be more cost-effective and require less maintenance, allowing Council staff to focus on other key tasks.
How long will the relocatable toilets remain in place?
The relocatable toilets are expected to remain in place indefinitely, possibly for a few years. This will depend on the progress of the District’s Growth Plan.
Will the new toilets be accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the relocatable toilets will be designed to meet accessibility standards, ensuring that they are fully functional for all members of the Community, including people with disabilities.
Will the new toilets be accessible to bus passengers?
Yes, the relocatable toilets will be located in the Leith Place car park.
How will the construction of the toilets affect the Leith Place area?
There may be some minor disruption during the installation process, including temporary restrictions on access around the site. Council will work to minimise any inconvenience and keep the community informed throughout the project.
What happens if the relocatable toilets need maintenance or repairs?
The relocatable toilets will be regularly maintained and serviced to ensure they remain in good condition. Council will monitor their use and address any maintenance needs promptly.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more details about the new toilets, or if you have any concerns, please contact the Council's Customer Service Team at 07 885 0340 or email info@southwaikato.govt.nz. You can also visit our website and Facebook page for updates.
How often will the new toilets be cleaned/serviced?
The toilets will continue to be cleaned as per the existing toilets four times a day.
Are these drop toilets?
The toilets are fully operational toilets linking into the sewage system. The toilets will be individual cubicles with vandal proof fixtures and fittings. They will be spacious and practical with all that is needed in a public toilet facility. All components will be sourced locally with minimal lead times for replacing the parts.
Get in touch
Please contact the Council's Customer Service Team at 07 885 0340 or email ross.provan@southwaikato.govt.nz.
History of Leith Place Toilets
The toilets were designed by an architectural firm based in Rotorua. The toilet cylinders vary in heights from seven to nine metres and consist of a stand-alone and enclosed toilet at the base, metal framework with wooden fins up its height and a shiny disc on the very top. Light is projected back down and through the open fins, creating a dramatic effect at night.
Since its construction in 2020, the Leith Place toilets won three awards – the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Best Loo Award in 2022 which recognises the best public toilet in the country the Waikato/BoP New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) award and a regional award from Architectural Design New Zealand (ADNZ) in. Both the latter wins saw the Leith Place toilets shortlisted in the national awards.