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Alistair Knox Park Changing Places facility and public toilets

Project typeConstruction of a new accessible toilet facility
Project value$915,564
Project scheduleConstruction commenced 18 March 2024. Estimated completion December 2024.

This is a drawing of what the new toilet facility will look like at Alistair Knox Park

Background

The ageing toilet block in Alistair Knox Park is being replaced with a new accessible facility.

The facility will include Nillumbik's first Changing Places accessible toilet and change room, a further two accessible toilets and four standard cubicle toilets.

Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with high support needs. They include a height-adjustable, adult-sized change table, electronic hoists, accessible toilet and shower. To find out more about Changing Places facilities, please visit the Changing Places website.

The toilets will be located in a more visible area of the park, closer to the playground, making it easy for families to access and nearer to the library and cafes. The existing toilet block, which is near Main Road, will be demolished.

There will be new accessible car parking in Panther Place and an accessible path from the road to the facility and other features of Alistair Knox Park.

Works include:

Construction of a new modular-style toilet and Changing Places facility closer to the the playground, Diamond Creek Trail and carpark.
Design and construction of access paths, lighting, car parking and other key infrastructure to provide accessible connections to all key elements of the park in keeping with universal design principles.
Connection of all required services.
Demolition of the existing toilets.

Funding details

The Changing Places and public toilet facility is being jointly by the Victorian Government through Changing Places and Universal Design grants, and Council.

Project updates

7 November 2024: All works are expected to be completed December 2024.

22 August 2024: Works have resumed on site following the removal of contaminated material. The asbestos was not considered a risk to users of the park. The playground was not affected and is safe for use.

26 June 2024: Works were paused following the discovery of small, bonded asbestos fragments on site. Please be assured they are non-friable, and not considered a risk to users of the park. Find out more here.

18 March 2024: Concept designs have been completed, and tenders for construction have been awarded. Construction commenced on 18 March 2024.

Expressions of Interest have sought for a suitably qualified artist to develop site-specific artwork to be implemented on the interior of the Changing Places facility.

Frequently asked questions

What will the new toilet block at Alistair Knox Park include?

The new public toilet block in Alistair Knox Park will include:

Nillumbik’s first registered ‘Changing Places’ facility for people with high-care needs.
Two full accessible toilets
Two ambulant cubicle toilets
Two standard cubicle toilets
New accessible car parking in Panther Place
Accessible pathways
Landscaping
Bike racks
Shade structures and street furniture
Lighting and wayfinding signage.
Artwork inside the Changing Places facility

Why is a new toilet block being built?

It is estimated more than 60,000 people visit Alistair Knox Park each year.

The current toilet block near Main Road in Alistair Knox Park is ageing, has a failing sewer connection and no longer complies with current standards or community expectations.

It did not have suitable facilities for people with disability and was poorly located in an area difficult to access.

What is a Changing Places facility?

Changing Places facilities can be found around Australia and are for people with high-support needs and their families/carers.

They are larger than standard accessible toilets and have extra features.

They include a height-adjustable adult-sized change table, a ceiling track hoist system, a centrally-located peninsula toilet, a shower, privacy screen and automatic door.

There is enough space for up to two carers to support someone with a disability.

More information about Changing Places facilities, including locations, can be found at the Changing Places website.