Construction of the new $520,000 accessible public toilet facilities and Changing Place at Railway Place (Northern Highway) Elmore has been delayed due to the discovery of previously unknown infrastructure below the build site.
City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director Brian Westley said construction of the new facilities started in May.
“During early construction works, a previously undetected water main was located under the former toilet block. It was a surprise to everyone,” Mr Westley said.
“Coliban Water do not authorise buildings to be constructed over their water mains and this has meant the City has had to change the location of the new building by several metres.
“The change to the location has required the City to undertake further consultation with various authorities and obtain permit amendments which has resulted in the project delays.
“However, we are hopeful that construction works will resume in the near future.
“The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to providing accessible public toilet facilities in line with its Public Toilet Strategy and to improving disability access across the Greater Bendigo community.
“When completed the new Elmore public toilet facility will feature five unisex cubicles, two accessible unisex cubicles and a Changing Place to provide suitable facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible cubicles.”
In the meantime, temporary fencing at the construction site has been reconfigured to reduce the impact on nearby parking. Portable toilets, which are regularly cleaned and restocked, are available a short distance away – near the Elmore Miniature Railway at the southern (Bendigo) end of the township.
The new Elmore public toilets and Changing Place have been funded by the City along with a $110,000 grant from the Victorian Government.
