Wellington toilets may become pizza kiosk

DAVE BURGESS AND TOM HUNT

The underground toilets on Courtenay Place served the needs of Wellington's gentlemen for almost a century. But soon it could be serving all sexes something completely different – coffee and pizza.

The same team that owns restaurants Scopa in Cuba St, Duke Carvell's in Swan Lane, and Crazy Horse in Willis St have resource consent to build the kiosk, designed by Athfield Architects, near the corner of Taranaki St and Courtenay Place.

Business partner Simon Niblett said the final decision on whether to build would be made once building consent and costing had been sorted. It was hoped to open in April or May next year.

The kiosk would be built over the underground toilets, incorporating part of the toilets' above-ground brick work.

A canopy extending over the building would provide pedestrian shelter.

Mr Niblett said the overall footprint of the kiosk would be only slightly larger than the toilet block.

The toilets were built in the early 1900s and closed by Wellington City Council in 1999, when the search for an alternative use for the building began.

Olympic gold medallist Ian Ferguson was granted consent for a 45-seat wine bar in the former toilet block after he won a commercial tender in 2001. He pulled out in 2007 when he realised the venture would not be profitable.

While he was offered free rent for 10 years he had to pay for the refit. The cost would have effectively given him one of the steepest rents in Wellington.He was yesterday happy the building would finally get a new life.

"It's just a very, very good spot. Unfortunately it's not a wine and nibbles bar I had planned to do there."

The council has also held two competitions to find potential uses for the toilets. Proposals included a Weta Workshop museum, an art gallery, cafes and pubs.

Meanwhile, work on the controversial $375,000 crayfish toilets on Kumutoto Wharf is under way. The two toilets are expected to open in about four weeks.

- © Fairfax NZ News