A striking new concept in toilet designs will be unveiled at Colac Bay next week.

Officially opening on Thursday 11 July, the revamped toilets are the first of four to be constructed by Southland District Council, with others set to open at Monkey Island, Clifden Bridge and in the Te Anau town centre during the next month.

Senior projects manager Geoff Gray said the upgraded facilities would enhance each area for locals and visitors.

“It’s great to see these projects underway. Each of these locations remains popular with both Southland residents and tourists so it’s important that we ensure the facilities meet expectations,” he said.

The toilet blocks have each been given a Southland vibe with the addition of a mixed-media visual wrap on the exterior.

Council senior graphic designer Gloria Eno opted to incorporate elements unique to each community.

“The concept was to develop a design which proudly reflected each community, adding elements of history or geographical uniqueness,” she said.

Photographs were sourced from local photographers, while pencil sketches and text added alternative imagery.

Developed from shipping containers, the Colac Bay unit replaces an old concrete toilet block while Monkey Island will have two separate facilities installed to cater for the significant increase in visitors experienced in recent years.

The Clifden Bridge project will feature four toilets in a specifically developed location near the historic landmark.

Of concrete construction, the new Te Anau toilets are situated near the popular Pump Track.

Council has also recently completed a development project at Waikawa Domain which included a gravelled hardstand area to enable parking near the toilets and a new sewerage disposal field.