UNDERGROUND TOILETS
NAPIER STREET FOOTSCRAY, MARIBYRNONG CITY
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Statement of Significance
This record has minimal details. Please look to the right-hand-side bar for any further details about this record.
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UNDERGROUND TOILETS - History
The underground public toilets in Napier Street, Footscray were constructed in 1936. Eleven other toilets were built in the Melbourne area during this period due to the general societal view that above ground public toilets were indecent. The undergound public 'conveniences' offered more discreet access and usage of bathroom facilities.
The toilets were possibly decommissioned in the 1970's as the site had been begun to be used by people to take illegal drugs, and attracted unwanted criminal activity to the area. The site was filled in and covered over. Very few written records have been found relating to the site. Full details are available in the report by Mitchell, J & A. Timms dated November 2010.
UNDERGROUND TOILETS - Archaeological Significance
The sub-surface structure of the underground toilet block is intact and in good condition. There is high archaeological significance.
UNDERGROUND TOILETS - Interpretation of Site
The 1930's site is a public toilet for both males and females.
UNDERGROUND TOILETS - Historical Significance
The underground toilets hold both local and state cultural heritage significance. It offers insight into contemporary attitudes of public decency, as well as exemplifying contemporary architecture and technological advancement with the development of underground water and sewerage in Melbourne.
Heritage Inventory Description
UNDERGROUND TOILETS - Heritage Inventory Description
The Napier Street site is characterised by underground public toilets complete with male and female blocks with seperate stairs to each block. A section of the stairwells was exposed during road works. The remainder of the toilets is under the road.
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FORMER BARKLY THEATREVictorian Heritage Register H0878
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PRIMARY SCHOOL NO.253Victorian Heritage Register H1713
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FOOTSCRAY RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H1563
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