Date: Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Subject: Earnslaw Park Toilets To Start

Work commences on Monday to develop a long awaited new toilet block at Earnslaw Park, Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager community services Paul Wilson said.

The project will commence with the demolition of the 29-year-old toilets to make way for a modern 10-unit block and small kiosk, currently the subject of public consultation (closing March 15).

Amalgamated Builders Limited from Queenstown has been awarded the $447,576 contract and will start site preparations on Monday - with the three trees in the immediate vicinity of the toilets (one inside the existing block) removed this week to make way for construction.

“We realise that the construction project will cause some disruption to visitors, residents and businesses and will be doing all we can to minimise the disruption and ensure the project is completed on time for the opening of the Winter Festival in June,” Mr Wilson said.

Beech Street would remain open during the project however there would be some localised detours for pedestrians during the demolition and materials delivery. There was potential for the road to be closed for a short period to allow the installation of the 12m diameter roof.

“We are conscious that it’s a popular spot during summer and plan to fence only the construction zone leaving the greater area of turf open to the public,” he said.

Temporary toilets would be available on site from Monday until after Easter and signs would guide visitors to the Marine Parade and Athol Street toilets, only 250m away.

“Council has received a significant amount of feedback, particularly in recent years that the current toilets needed to be replaced. We are delighted to get this new project underway. I’m confident the end result will be a quantum improvement in this high profile location,” Mr Wilson said.

The entire grass area of Earnslaw Park will be renewed immediately following the Winter Games in August.

ENDS

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