Wheelchair user raises concerns over accessibility at Timaru’s new CBD toilets

Tuesday, 22 July 2025

A wheelchair user says he has “real concerns’’ about the accessibility of Timaru’s new public toilets, but the district council says they meet New Zealand standards.

Jonathan Nelson, who had spina bifida, a condition that affected the spine, said he had checked out progress on the $1.6 million redevelopment of Strathallan Corner in the town’s CBD, after seeing social media comments questioning their accessibility.

He said he was “nervous’’ after seeing the size of the toilet block’s cubicles.

“I have concerns about the toilets’ accessibility, not only for people in wheelchairs but for those with prams, and mobility scooters,’’ he said.

“It seems like there’s a toilet there that has a slightly wider doorway than the others but someone in a wheelchair won’t be able to turn around in them.’’

A Timaru District Council spokesperson said wheelchair access was being considered “across the site in its entirety’’.

“We’ve been taking some extra time refining the initial design to include feedback and ensure that that any gradients are safe for users across all of the ramped and sloped areas, with consideration also given to surfaces, turning spaces, handrails and any barriers,’’ they said.

“The toilets themselves are a standard commercial prefabricated unit with an accessible cubicle meeting NZ Standards for access and mobility for both the door width and turning space within.’’

They said by taking out many of the steps that previously featured in the square at Strathallan Corner, the council was “aiming to make the whole site a more accessible and appealing space at the heart of our city for everyone to enjoy’’.

Nelson said, as a caregiver, he often used the Strathallan Corner toilets when he was in town with those in his charge, and said the original toilets had been easily accessible.

“I had no issues with the toilets that were there. While they were old, there was oodles of space.’’

Nelson said he was not raising his concerns “to be a dick’’ but wanted to speak out on behalf of other toilets users with a disability.

“It needs to be 100% [the upgrade], and I’m concerned for my fellow ratepayers. I want this to be right.

“I also don’t want to be caught short in town.’’

He said he would be happy to talk to the council about the issue and offer advice around disability needs in the future.

Work on the corner, part of the $34m CityTown project which aimed to create a master plan for the long-term development of Timaru’s central business district, began in May when the former toilet block was demolished.

Last month, the council’s group manager infrastructure Andrew Dixon told councillors work on the redevelopment had been delayed citing “unforeseen circumstances”.

Just what those circumstances were was not revealed.

He told the meeting the council aimed to have the project completed by the end of July and on budget.

The council has been asked for an update on the project’s timeline.