The design includes two unisex toilets, another toilet with wheelchair access, rainwater tank, landscaping and a taxi shelter that provides an increased seating capacity, greater roof area for protection from weather and sufficient space for two taxis to draw parallel to the kerb.

The new toilet block will replace portable toilets, which have been in the street since 2011, drawing criticism about the appearance and standard of the facility. 

The taxi rank and toilets will remain on the eastern side of the street, close to the Timor Street intersection.  

The toilets will be set back from the footpath and occupy space at the rear of the post office-council building. A largely disused brick storage shed will be demolished to make way for the toilets.

Edging will be installed to protect the Norfolk Island pines from traffic. The footpath leading to the taxi rank will be one level to improve accessibility and ready access to post office boxes will be maintained. 

The designs were prepared in consultation with Gilles Street residents, taxi drivers, security officers, Timor Street business and representatives from police, South West TAFE, Brophy and the post office.

A major design makeover of the street is yet to be announced. At May’s Warrnambool City Council meeting, Councillors Peter Hulin, Brian Kelson and Peter Sycopoulis argued the toilets should wait until a decision on the overall street design and said they feared it may have to be moved later.

Mayor Michael Neoh said the toilet and taxi rank designs were complementary and materials to be used in the project were consistent with the city centre design guidelines adopted earlier this year by Council.

“Replacing the temporary toilets in Gilles Street was highlighted as one of the priorities in the 2013 Loo Review,” Cr Neoh said.

“The proposed taxi rank design we think will work smoothly and provide a safer environment, particularly late at night after our entertainment venues close and people are heading home.” 

South West Coast MP Denis Napthine announced $500,000 of state funds in November. The council will contribute $300,000.