Current status
August 2023
In January 2023, we asked you what you thought about a proposed design for an upgrade to the amenity block at Bird Rock in Jan Juc.
We were delighted to receive such valuable feedback, both positive and constructive on these designs. We heard you and incorporated your ideas into the final design where possible. We considered community feedback alongside Aboriginal inclusion, environmental outcomes, design quality, social outcomes, and funding requirements to create the final design.
Project overview
The current Bird Rock, Jan Juc amenity block is a dated and medium-use facility that services the nearby Jan Juc Village, the Surf Coast Walk, beachgoers and tourists. At the beginning of 2023 the Authority released a proposed concept design to the community for a proposed upgrade to the amenity block.
The works have been identified in the draft Point Impossible to Jan Juc Foreshore Masterplan, which states:
Monitor and review the use of the amenity block at Bird Rock. Decommission or upgrade as appropriate, Incorporate best practice sustainable design and initiatives such as solar, composting capabilities and water capture and re-use
The Authority aims to maintain public facilities on our managed land in good order so they can be used by the community and visitors now and for generations to come.
Final design
Read more about the key features of the final design below.
The new amenity block at Bird Rock will meet accessibility requirements. The size of the building will increase by approximately 30% to ensure it is accessible to everybody in our community and for those who visit the area.
Accessible design features include a ramp entry onto the main deck area of the amenity block, spacious toilet cubicles and accessible hand basins.
We heard a lot of community support to implement sustainable design features into the new amenity block. The final design includes sustainable design features such as solar panels and rainwater tanks.
The existing foundations of the amenity block will remain consistent, and the new amenity block will be built on this along with an additional decking area.
We’re delighted to see enthusiasm amongst the community for artwork which connects the building to the Country it is located upon and its history and culture. We’re working with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to develop artwork for the new amenity block.
The circular shape of the final design is an aesthetic design decision to integrate into and complement the natural surrounds of the Bird Rock cliffs and Surf Coast Walk.The circular shape of the final design is an aesthetic design decision to integrate into and complement the natural surrounds of the Bird Rock cliffs and Surf Coast Walk.
The number of amenities will remain the same, being two all gender toilets, however the new toilets will now be accessible for all abilities.
Our community had some great ideas of extra features that could be included into the design. You told us that you would love to see a water fountain and a dog water bowl, so we have included them in the final design.
You told us that the concept designs appeared more friendly and safer than the existing amenity block.
The amenity block will be illuminated at night using solar powered night lights. The solar lighting selected will not cause unnecessary light to spill into the surrounding areas.
To discourage the building becoming a hang out spot, the part of the decking area designed for sitting, has been removed from the final design.
We anticipate construction of the Bird Rock Jan Juc Amenity Block to begin in 2024 and will take approximately three months to construct. We will keep the community informed on when this will occur.
From 23 January – 12 February 2023, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority sought feedback on draft concept plans for a new amenity block at Bird Rock in Jan Juc.
January/February Proposed Concept Designs
The information gathered through this community engagement has informed the final designs to best meet the needs of the community and visitors now and for generations to come. Feedback received through this consultation is considered alongside Aboriginal inclusion, environmental outcomes, design quality, social outcomes, and funding requirements.
We were delighted to receive so much community feedback, both positive and constructive. You can view a summary of this feedback in the Engagement Summary Report we released to community in April 2023.
This toilet block upgrade is part of the $18.197 million Great Ocean Road Visitor Experience Uplift grant to deliver improvements to the visitor experience along the iconic Great Ocean Road.
