New public toilets for Reefton

Preparations will start this week to replace the old public toilets at the Broadway in Reefton with a modern purpose-designed toilet block.

The current public toilets will be closed for the next 14 weeks from Monday 22 August 2022.

During this time two porta-loos will be available for the public. These will be located approx. 60m further east from the current location on SH7 towards Blacks Point.

Between 22 August and the 2 September contractors will demolish the existing toilets, followed by site preparations which are planned to be completed at the end of September. Through October, the new toilets will be delivered and installed.

Buller District Council’s acting group manager community services Krissy Trigg says: “We aim to have the new toilets up and running on the 14 November 2022 ready for the summer traffic.”

The existing information boards and artifacts around the current toilets have been removed and stored during the construction phase. The information panels and artifacts will be reinstalled once the new toilets are in place.

Ms Trigg says: “The historic flair of the Broadway has turned into a drawcard attracting visitors from close and far to Reefton. We wanted the new toilets to fit into the historic feeling and enhance the unique flair of Reefton’s main street.”

Buller based architect Carrynne Scarlet worked with pre-fabricated toilet manufacturer Permaloo on the historic inspired design of the new toilet block.

The toilets will feature modern fixtures and fittings that are durable, easy to clean, and offer wheelchair access on the inside.

Ms Trigg says: “Offering easy to maintain, modern and disability friendly toilet facilities at this popular stop-off location to visitors and locals, was a key requirement developing the design with our architect and the manufacturer.”

The cost for the project totals $400,000, with $200,000 paid out of MBIE’s Tourism Infrastructure Funding, which council secured at no cost to ratepayers. The remaining $200,000 is funded by council.

Other contractors involved in the project are Rosco Contractors Ltd, All About Sewer, Electronet Services, Avant Build Cost Solutions Ltd, and Westport Hire.

Ms Trigg says: “We are excited to see construction starting and look forward to the result.“

-ENDS-

For more information contact:
Acting Group Manager Community Services
Krissy Trigg
Krissy.Trigg@bdc.govt.nz