Toilet pod hits spot in historic area
Designing a public toilet block isn't high on many architects' wish-lists. It's not comparable to a house or apartment tower. But some of the smallest architectural commissions can make an enormous difference to a community. This modest development in Bendigo is one example.
The city needed to provide a safe and protected environment for young people leaving nightclubs in the early hours. With clubbers departing in various states of sobriety, there were often scuffles when trying to catch a taxi. And limited public transport, with up to 250 people seeking to get home, led to mounting tension.
Three potential sites were earmarked for public amenities, located far enough away from the historic centre with its heritage buildings.
"We were asked to review the sites put forward [by consultants]. There was general concern that amenities near heritage buildings would degrade the centre. But we thought Howard Place, adjacent to some of the nightclubs, seemed an appropriate location. Even a 600-metre walk to a taxi rank can seem a long way after a few drinks," says architect Peter Williams, a director of Williams Boag architects (WBa).
WBa came up with a relatively transparent structure, with a 200-square-metre multi-celled polycarbonate roof sheltering the pod-like elliptical toilet block. Laminated timber beams supported by steel, allow the roof to "float". To enhance this floating, the amenities are separated from the roof.
Made of concrete, stained yellow and circled by polished stainless steel tubes, the pod is sculptural and functional. As it's slightly elevated above ground level, there's privacy, while still showing foot traffic within.
"We were extremely conscious of the heritage buildings framing this important triangular site. But we have elevated the roof to ensure vistas of the monument to gold and the heritage-listed glasshouse in Rosalind Park, Williams says.
One of the other elements that needed considering was a means for people to queue in an orderly way for taxis. Roping off areas might have created tension, with some trying to jump the queue. WBa's approach was to create a forecourt under the roof with a subtle line drawn in the concrete and pebbled ground surface.
Rather than rope, ground lights set up a queue. And even if the wait is considerable, there are concrete and timber benches along the path. Even little things, such as the correct-sized rubbish bins, capable of holding pizza containers, minimise waste left behind.
One of the greatest challenges facing the architects was obtaining approval from Heritage Victoria and the local authorities, concerned heritage would be undermined by a project of this nature. But to their credit, the parties agreed something as basic as a toilet block could be in the centre of town. The Salvation Army also uses the area for its "chill out" vans on Saturday night.
The facilities have been embraced by the community, even restaurants and cafes bordering the site, which initially feared a downgrade.
The development is popular with tourists and local walking groups, who see the facilities as both a marking point and starting point to their day. And rather than only being used by those traipsing out of nightclubs, the Howard Place amenities are used day and night.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The Howard Place toilet pod is a sculptural, elliptical public toilet block in Bendigo designed to provide a safe, protected environment for people leaving nightclubs. It was built to reduce late‑night scuffles, shorten the walk to taxis where public transport is limited, and offer an orderly waiting area for up to a few hundred clubbers.
Williams Boag architects (WBa) designed the facility. Key features include a 200‑square‑metre multi‑celled polycarbonate roof supported by laminated timber beams on steel so the roof appears to ‘float’, a slightly elevated yellow‑stained concrete pod circled by polished stainless steel tubes, and separation of the amenities from the roof to enhance openness and privacy.
The architects located the pod away from the historic centre and elevated the roof to preserve vistas to the gold monument and the heritage‑listed glasshouse in Rosalind Park. Heritage Victoria and local authorities were engaged and ultimately agreed the modest toilet block could sit in the centre of town without undermining heritage values.
Rather than ropes, WBa created a forecourt under the roof with a subtle line in the concrete and a pebbled ground surface to encourage orderly queuing. Ground lights mark the queue, and concrete and timber benches along the path provide seating during long waits.
Designers specified correctly sized rubbish bins capable of holding items like pizza containers, placed seating to discourage loitering in undesignated spots, and created clear circulation areas—small details intended to minimise waste left behind and ease ongoing maintenance.
Yes. Although some neighbouring restaurants and cafés initially feared a downgrade, the facilities have been embraced by the community. The site is popular with tourists and local walking groups and is used both day and night.
Three sites were considered, but Howard Place was selected because it sits adjacent to several nightclubs and is far enough from the historic centre to avoid impacting heritage buildings. The choice recognises that even a 600‑metre walk to a taxi rank can feel long late at night.
Beyond nightclub patrons, the Salvation Army uses the area for its 'chill out' vans on Saturday nights. The amenities are also popular with tourists and local walking groups, who use the site as a starting or marking point for walks, making it a day‑and‑night community resource.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
