Rail-themed toilets on track for completion

Lumsden’s new railway-themed toilets are a hit with visitors and residents alike.

Southland District Council community engineer Bruce Miller said the upgrade should be finished by the beginning of November, in time for the busy freedom camper summer season.

‘‘We are using a railway theme with the outside covered in weatherboards, a new verandah with tiled floor and signage on a locomotive symbol.

‘‘Two new unisex toilets have been added to the western end to help with the increased usage.’’

Older toilets at the site are getting their fourth makeover.

‘‘LED lighting will be installed, decreasing costs, with lights under the verandah in a lantern style fitting with the railway theme.’’

G Kay Building foreman Graham Stanton said the design of the buildings was in keeping with the Lumsden railway station era.

‘‘While we have been working here we have noticed lots of people calling in as they pass through Lumsden so we have seen the need for the upgrade and extension.’’

Signs and de´ cor are being made by Garston engineer Aaron Abernethy.

The car park will be landscaped, sealed and marked out again.

‘‘Very soon the area around the railway station will be closed off while they reseal and mark it ready for managing the increase in visitors over the summer, including freedom campers,’’ Miller said.

‘‘I noticed one of the comments in the Lumsden library visitors’ book said it was the best camping spot in New Zealand which is very encouraging.’’