The wait is over … new loo opens in Carlton

A new toilet facility, equipped with the highest-level amenities, has officially opened in Carlton with great fanfare.

Located in Faraday St next to the bustling area of shops and cafes, the accessible facility was installed following many calls from residents and traders.

It boasts modern features including an automatic sliding door, a touchless handwashing station, an automatic paper dispenser and flush, and secure locking systems.

A celebratory opening on September 1, complete with the stainless-steel facility being festooned in golden balloons and decorations, was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the City of Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Sally Capp.   

Joining her was Cr Davydd Griffiths and Carlton Residents’ Association member Trish, who together, expressed their joy with its opening.

The Exello “Galaxy” toilet replaces the former underground heritage-listed public toilet along the Faraday St median strip after it was decommissioned in 2016 due to safety and accessibility issues. However, it was not demolished as part of the works that began in May.

“The new facility will be flushed with success, providing easy access for locals and visitors – close to the hustle and bustle of Lygon St’s world-renowned hospitality and retail offerings,” the Lord Mayor said.

I’d like to thank our fantastic community for their input and patience as we delivered this important project. The Lygon St precinct is a premier destination in our city and deserves the highest quality public amenities.

The project was informed by community consultation including its location, with two car park spaces being permanently removed.

However, as reported by the Inner City News, the Carlton business district traders’ association Carlton Inc. expressed concern the new toilet would suffer the same fate as the public toilet in Argyle Place North, adjacent to Argyle Square, which had been plagued by graffiti.

Traders hoped that a regular cleaning and maintenance program would be implemented for both facilities, which the council assured it would be.

Community feedback published in a council report noted the visual impact of the new facility “would not add to the streetscape” while others commented it “seemed to make more sense as a public toilet had been there previously”.

While it may not be viewed by all as the best seat in the house, Cr Capp said, “the Carlton community has been busting for a new public toilet, and we’ve finally delivered it on Faraday St, a location chosen by local traders and residents.” •