A new public toilet and improved pedestrian walkways will provide comfort and confidence for visitors to the Laurimar Town Centre.
The public toilet will be located on the site of the Laurimar Community Activity Centre on Hazel Glen Drive in Doreen.
City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd joined Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage MP to turn the first sod on the project on Friday 16 February.
The City of Whittlesea and Victorian Government jointly funded project will see a fully automated, accessible and self-cleaning unisex public toilet installed for community use.
In addition, new pedestrian pathways, an accessible parking bay and landscaping will round out the project, providing more accessibility for visitors to the area and improved walkways, making it easier and more convenient to get around.
The Laurimar Town Centre area is a popular precinct with shopping, employment, medical, social and recreational facilities.
But residents, community groups and local traders have said a lack of safe and accessible public toilet options had been a deterrent for visitors.
Mr Lloyd said the new facility, walkway and accessible parking bay would give people, including parents with young children, older residents and those with disabilities, greater confidence to visit the precinct.
"It's important that people have access to the facilities they need when they're going about their everyday lives outside the home," he said.
"This public toilet will allow people visiting the shops at Laurimar to have peace of mind and be able to enjoy their time here."
"As well as the health and social benefits, there will also be an added economic benefit for local businesses, with customers able to spend longer in the area."
The City of Whittlesea's $200,000 contribution is supported with a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government's Living Local Fund.
