The new public toilets at Lower Hakatere Huts are now open.

Installing toilet paper dispensers and planting native grasses around the new two-cubicle block were among the last jobs on the list prior to opening this week.

The new block includes one accessible cubicle for those with physical disabilities – the facility replaces public toilets that were in use at the huts for many decades, and considered earthquake-prone.

Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces Neil McCann said the area around the new toilets was also being grassed.

“The final touches also included designated parking for those using the accessible toilet, and other signage.”

The new toilets sit on a concrete base and sewage is discharged into a dry vault holding tank, which is pumped out regularly and taken to a treatment plant for disposal.

The old public toilets have been demolished, now that the new facility is up and running. The public toilets at Upper Hakatere remain open for use.

Work has also started on the old concrete block changing shed, opposite the old public toilets. The concrete base will be retained and a new steel frame installed, to turn the facility into a shelter.