Yarra Square upgrade on way

By Melissa Meehan
APROJECT to upgrade the ageing toilet block in Yarra Square, Warburton, will include installing children’s play equipment and creating footpaths, a discovery trail and sculptures.
It will transform the square into a much more family-friendly area for residents and visitors.
The project is part of the Yarra Ranges Shire $1.2 million refurbishment program that addresses the key issues of safety, accessibility and sustainability across the municipality.
The $100,000 project, soon to go to tender, will also incorporate sustainable water use features such as the collection and use of rainwater to flush the toilets, low flow fittings, dual flush toilets and the reuse of grey water.
The block will have four unisex and two “all abilities-family” toilets with a change table.
The toilet design will enhance safety without impacting on personal privacy.
A group from the local community will create a colourful mosaic floor design for the toilets.
A makeover of Yarra Square itself will also begin soon.
New landscape works will be staged over several years to include new footpath and playground furniture, a discovery trail for younger children and sculptures suitable for climbing.
Yarra Ranges councillor Monika Keane said that the improvements to Yarra Square would transform this part of Warburton.
“As well as making the toilet far more user friendly, this project will transform Yarra Square into a great place for families,” Cr Keane said.
“The shire also hopes that the important water-saving components of the project will encourage local residents to consider using water saving technology at home.”