June 12, 2009
Work is expected to begin this week on the major upgrade to the Queen St toilets in Barraba.
The $35,640 project will see a virtual makeover of the toilet block in the main street with major structural, plumbing, electrical, tiling, and cosmetic works set to turn the old block into a modern, new town asset.
Tamworth Regional Council has confirmed quotes and contracts for the work to begin and says it will take about 14weeks to complete.
Horticultural manager Eric Budgen says all development approvals have been obtained to allow works to start when contractors can. Mr Budgen said signs have been erected to show alternative toilet facilities at O’Meara Park, the Countrylink bus stop and Rotary Park while the Queen St block is out of action.
Project manager Grant Reeckmann says the design concepts have been put together through lengthy consultation and advice from the Barraba Community Development Committee. Mr Reeckmann said Barraba’s David York had been instrumental in helping prepare preliminary plans and assist and coordinate the project process.
The old block will get an internal re-jig as well as an exterior makeover, to make it more spacious and appealing architecturally.
The ceiling will be lifted, skylights will be installed, and the toilet configuration will be changed to provide disabled toilets and cubicle partitioning alterations. New fittings will be installed, it will be painted, new floor and wall tiles fixed, and the external brickwork will be rendered.
Among those awarded works contracts are regional trades suppliers Allan Yates for demolition, block, brickwork and render plastering, Korbus Schmidt for carpentry, Dick Achilles in wall and floor tiling, Keith Halloran for painting, David Jenner electricals and Alan McCusker with plumbing works.
Mr Budgen said the full project cost of $35,640 would be spent achieving the results. Part of the project cost was from unspent councillor development funds voted to the project by former councillor Shirley Close before she retired at the last election last year.