Paddo (un)explained: the toilet block

The arrival on Oxford St of a toilet cubicle commissioned by the City of Sydney raised the ire of many after it appeared almost like an alien without apparent warning in early February. 

The silver toilet block, plastered with greenery, turned up in the car park beside Sunlite Mitre 10, across from William St, immediately sparking outrage from locals who claimed it did not fit with local heritage characteristics (as opposed to the Telstra building next to it). 

“The site selected was strategically well placed and facilitated convenient access for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disability,” a spokesperson for City of Sydney told The Sydney Morning Herald. “We always balance the need for these facilities against any community concerns.” 

Residents expressed dismay at the ugliness of the design, which does indeed resemble some kind of oversized tin can. The council spokesperson said the toilet was self cleaning and would also be cleaned by humans twice a day.