Standard accessible toilets are not suitable for everyone, particularly those with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) or complex physical disabilities. These individuals often require additional space and specialist equipment to use toilet facilities safely and comfortably.

Changing Places facilities are designed to meet these needs by providing a spacious environment equipped with essential equipment such as a height-adjustable adult-sized changing table, ceiling track hoist, privacy screen, and wash basin. The Lewisham Shopping Centre’s new Changing Places facility provides exactly this, giving visitors and their carers the support they need.

The Changing Places facility at Lewisham Shopping Centre includes a range of specialist equipment designed to improve the comfort and dignity of users. These include:

As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion, Lewisham Shopping Centre has been undergoing a refurbishment aimed at modernising its facilities and enhancing the shopping experience for all visitors. The addition of the Changing Places facility is an essential component of this wider project.

Located on the ground floor near the main entrance, the Changing Places facility is easily accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility impairments. The convenient location ensures that families and carers can make use of the facility while they shop, enjoy a meal, or visit other services within the centre.

In addition to the Changing Places facility, the shopping centre has also introduced other accessibility features as part of its refurbishment. These include wider aisles, accessible parking spaces, and improved signage to guide visitors with disabilities to key areas of the centre.

Collaboration with architects and project managers was vital in ensuring that the Changing Places facility at Lewisham Shopping Centre met all necessary regulations and was fully integrated into the centre’s design.

The facility complies with BS 8300-2:2018 and Part M of the Building Regulations, which outline the requirements for accessible toilets, including the need for at least 12m² of space, a ceiling track hoist system, and a height-adjustable changing table.

Engaging with accessibility specialists early in the process allowed the project team to select the right equipment and ensure the room layout met both regulatory and practical needs.

The installation of the Changing Places facility at Lewisham Shopping Centre marks a significant milestone in making public spaces more accessible for people with complex disabilities.

It offers individuals and their carers a safe and dignified space to attend to personal hygiene needs while visiting the centre.

The inclusion of a Changing Places facility sets a strong example for other shopping centres and leisure venues across the UK, encouraging businesses to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support an inclusive environment for all.

With Changing Places toilets now a legal requirement in certain large public buildings, it is essential for developers, architects, and venue operators to integrate these facilities into their designs.

By investing in these accessible spaces, Lewisham Shopping Centre is ensuring that it is a place where everyone can shop, socialise, and enjoy a positive experience, regardless of their accessibility needs.

If you’re an architect, developer, or venue operator looking to install a Changing Places facility or want to learn more about how to make your space more accessible, get in touch with one of our specialists today.

For more information on how to integrate Changing Places into your project, contact a specialist today.