The council said it planned to demolish the existing building early next year after the busy summer holiday period and, weather permitting, would be completed by the end of September in 2023.

Councillors awarded a tender for the project at their October meeting this week, and the new design will incorporate timber from the heritage South Warrnambool and Wollaston bridges.

The ageing facility has been labelled an "embarrassment" and deemed passed its use-by date.

The long-overdue upgrade to the new facility will consist of four external warm water showers, three unisex cubicles and two ambulant cubicles as well as baby change tables.

The new structure has been designed to last, having a minimum life of 50 years.

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