Hampden is to finally get public toilets, instead of its community hall's facilities having to meet the demand.
Public toilets for the town have been a contentious issue for at least five years, but at a Waihemo Community Board meeting on Monday a site and design will be chosen.
Waitaki District Council recreation manager Erik van der Spek said $100,000 had been provided in this financial year's budget for public toilets in Hampden.
Four sites were researched, in consultation with the community board and stakeholders in Hampden.
The recommended option was on the southeast corner of the hall, which fronts on to London St (State Highway 1).
Other options were a site next to the supermarket, sharing a facility with a cafe or making modifications to the hall.
The preferred site at the hall was close to the road and town centre, not on private land, in an area with good visibility, had parking space, could potentially use an upgraded effluent system and did not have the potential problems of a shared facility.
Mr van der Spek said the title for the hall land would have to be investigated and the toilets approved by the New Zealand Transport Agency, which is responsible for SH1.
The zoning of the hall land, believed to be Crown land set aside for the purpose of a war memorial community hall, may require permission from the Crown.
The design being recommended to the board was selected from three proposals.
It would be built of precast concrete with an aggregate outside finish and have internal walls, a tiled floor and stainless steel fittings.
The cost would be $68,000 (excluding GST), plus on-site and connection costs.
