Auckland’s vibrant Karangahape Road area has the welcome addition of new public toilets, situated on Mercury Lane.
The two new toilets were opened on Friday 20 December.
Rachel Kelleher, Auckland Council’s Director Community says the Mercury Lane toilets are part of a broader strategy to provide sufficient toilet facilities in the Karangahape Road area and the city centre.
“We know the Karangahape Road area is popular and much-loved destination for Aucklanders and visitors.
“The new toilets are a great amenity for locals and anyone visiting the area.
“We ask those who use the toilets to do the right thing and leave them in a clean and tidy state for the next person to use.
“The local community told us that there has been a shortage of public toilets in the area, resulting in some people using public spaces as makeshift toilets, negatively impacting on visitors, businesses and residents.”
“We hear the concerns of the community. The new toilets are a tangible step towards putting this right.”
As well as step-free access, the toilet design incorporates features specifically selected to ensure cleanliness and safety. These include durable, easy to clean materials, sensor-operated fixtures to minimise contact, and adequate lighting to promote a welcoming and secure environment.
The location of the toilets was strategically chosen to benefit from passive surveillance, enhancing safety by ensuring visibility around the facility. At night the toilet is well-illuminated to deter unsafe and anti-social behaviour.
Council contractors will regularly clean and service the new Mercury Lane toilets, adjusting frequency as required.
“Once again, I’d like to reiterate the part the public have to play in keeping the toilets in good order. We ask that Aucklanders and visitors alike take pride in the area and leave the toilets clean and tidy for the next person,” Ms Kelleher says.
In addition to the Mercury Lane toilets, new toilets have been constructed in Beresford Square and will be operational once the City Rail Link station opens.
With the opening of the new toilets on Mercury Lane, the temporary portaloos on Pitt Street, across the road from Beresford Square, will be removed.
If members of the public encounter issues at any site including public toilets, such as maintenance issues, graffiti or vandalism, people should report these to the Report a Problem page on the Auckland Council website.
