WACA MUSINGS IV

Have you ever heard of a new stadium, arena or concert hall being built without urinals?

That’s right, the crowd efficient, more hygienic, easier to clean, cheaper to build and more water efficient standing toilets for men.

Readers of my blog will know that I was elected to the WACA Board by the Members at the last AGM. Since then I’ve been reviewing the approved plans of the WACA redevelopment I inherited.

To my disbelief I found that the general male public will not have access to a urinal on the entire northern half of the WACA Ground which is the subject of a $100m+ redevelopment.

I queried this and wondered whether the female toilets were copied across as the male toilets by mistake. Nope. I am told its ‘modern times’ and required to address ‘inclusivity’.

The absurdity is that there are now 66 cubicles when less than 40 would do. But wait, it gets worse. The Members new area on the northern side will have gender shared wash basins and mirrors with cubicles off to the left and right.

Have the Members been consulted about this? No.

I’m all in favour of inclusivity but stadiums need to be efficient on the toilet front as they experience use in bursts. That means plenty of urinal space and some cubicles for men during a drinks break at the cricket.

It also means dignity, privacy and consideration for men and women in their own bathroom mirror and wash basin spaces.

Addressing these issues is a work in progress.