IT was hailed as state-of-the-art when it was opened a decade ago but Koroit Street’s automated toilet is set to lose some of its computerised bells and whistles.
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The toilet’s automated doors will be dispensed with following a negative response from users and refurbishment work will take place over the next six weeks.
Warrnambool City Council infrastructure services manager Glenn Reddick said a public amenities review last year placed work on the Koroit Street toilets as a high priority for refurbishment.
“Much of the feedback mentioned the automated doors, which were an unpopular feature,” he said.
“The automatic doors will be dispensed with and the only automation within the toilet block will be for lighting and ventilation.”
Mr Reddick said refurbishment work on the toilet block will start next Monday.
The centre space in the middle of the toilets is to become a disabled toilet which will conform to new standards, with the doors now opening directly to the street to improve safety.
Mr Reddick said while the upgrade is taking place, toilets will be available for use in the nearby Target complex or in the Coles-Youngers car park.
He said a small section of footpath along Koroit Street will be cordoned off but remain open for pedestrian traffic.
The toilets will also serve as a solar generation and rainwater capture demonstration project.
Photovoltaic panels will be mounted on the roof to offset operating costs while rainwater tanks will capture water used in flushing, supplemented when necessary by mains water.
