Work has begun on the new McGennan Car Park amenities building.
“New accessible toilets and changerooms were identified as a high priority in the Lake Pertobe Master Plan so it’s fantastic to make a start on this project,” Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said.
In October last year Council awarded the $814,000 tender for the work to local company Bolden Constructions
“We’re really pleased that a local company will build the new facility,” Cr Arnott said.
“We waited until the summer holiday season had passed before making a start on the work and we anticipate having the project completed by mid-October, well ahead of the next summer holiday period.
“The amenities block will feature unisex cubicles, two ambulant cubicles, all with seats and hooks to be used as change rooms; two accessible toilet/change rooms which will have baby change tables, bench seating, junior toilets and wash basins.
“Outside there will be a shared hand washing basin, four warm water showers of which two will provide all abilities access.
“Timber beams salvaged following the upgrades to the Edwards and Wollaston bridges will be used in a feature pergola and we will also include some precast concrete seating.
In addition to the amenities block contract work, there will be some landscaping including replacement of the narrow path leading up to McGennan Car Park and planting of native species.
“Our own Council concreting team will make a new, wider, smoother path, similar to the new paths at Lake Pertobe,” Cr Arnott said.
“We are sometimes asked about the cost of public amenities.
“When it comes to public amenities Council must build infrastructure that is really robust, highly accessible, safe and that can cope with being used by hundreds of people every day. We need a facility that is easy to service and easy to clean to help reduce maintenance costs. Down at McGennan’s we also need a facility able to withstand strong, salt-laden winds.
“So we have budgeted for a really robust piece of infrastructure that will serve the community for decades to come.”
Funding for the project comes from an Australian Government Building Better Regions grant and Council funds.
Council has written to nearby businesses, clubs and user groups to advise them of the construction work.
Over the course of the project, access to McGennan Car Park may at times be temporarily impacted by some construction activities, such as the pouring of concrete.