Project background

We’re upgrading the public toilet at Port Melbourne Beach so our community has a modern, safe and easy‑to‑use facility. Our upgrade will update the toilets, changerooms and showers and add all-gender facilities and an accessible Changing Place.

What did we ask?

Between 23 March and 3 May 2026, we asked people how they thought the upgraded facility should look, including artwork, and what they wanted us to consider as we design the upgrades. We also invited people to tell us about other public toilets they thought were good examples to follow.

What did we hear?

Across our engagement activities, common priorities we heard from participants were:

• a simple and practical design
• low visual impact on the surrounding environment
• a design that reflects the local environment and community
• using natural or sustainable materials
• improving the shower facilities.

Out of the themes we suggested for artwork, 'nature and the sea' was the most common preference amongst participants.

We also heard many suggestions for ways to improve functional aspects of the facility.

Out of the other public toilets mentioned by participants, South Melbourne Beach was the most commonly mentioned. We heard positive and negative comments about it.

What happens next?

Council will develop a concept design for the toilet facility upgrade with consideration for the feedback outlined in the engagement report. We will then proceed to deliver the upgrades according to the design. Construction is expected to start in 2028.