Castle toilet now open at Albury children's garden

A popular part of Albury Botanic Gardens, the children’s garden now has a facility to serve its estimated 50,000 visitors a year, instead of forcing a longer walk on youngsters caught short.

Adorned with ceramic lizards and gargoyles that spout water when it rains, the building includes a child’s toilet, adult toilet, change table, hand wash basins, an outside drinking fountain and an outside seat.

Albury deputy mayor David Thurley said the castle provided a lot of mystery and wonder for children and adults.

“Have a close look when you have a chance and you'll see all the little touches you don't quite pick up first," he said. 

“This is not just a toilet block, it’s a work of art.”

Melbourne artist James Cattell, also responsible for the garden’s well-known dinosaurs, created sketches inspired by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

Cattell said Albury had become like a second home through his Border projects.

“These gardens are very dear to my heart,” he said.

“This is really good as a case study because I can come back and actually see how children are relating to different things.”

The toilet’s basic shell was constructed using concrete blocks and then Cattell built the castle on top, with the total cost being $225,000.

Assisted by four-year-old Daryl Davidson, Cr Thurley cut the ribbon and turned the key to open the new building in Thursday’s official ceremony attended by council staff and visiting youngsters.

But the key purpose of the structure was not forgotten.

"If you have a desperate need, feel free, it's open," Cr Thurley called.