A new Changing Places toilet facility has opened in Lichfield city centre specially designed to improve accessibility for disabled people.
It is located within the former toilet block at the entrance to Beacon Park, on the corner of Bird Street and Swan Road, and features a range of equipment to enable disabled people to use the toilet hygienically and with dignity.
See the toilet on the Changing Places Toilet map
A separate Unisex toilet has also been created within the block which is accessible daily from 7am to 5pm. To access the Changing Places facility a radar key is required. These open more than 10,000 toilets for the disabled across the UK and are available to purchase online.
This essential space has been created with grant funding provided by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK and with the support of Lichfield District Council.
Astor Bannerman created the new Changing Places Toilet on a turnkey basis, converting an existing toilet block to allow the specialist equipment to be installed in a spacious and welcoming space.
The equipment in the Changing Places toilet includes:
– Astor Invincible Changing Table
– ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wash Basin
– Peninsular Toilet
– KwickScreen Wall Mounted Privacy Screen
– Accessories including support rails
The Deputy Leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks & Major Projects Councillor Andy Smith, said:
“I am delighted that a second Changing Places toilet has opened in Lichfield.
“Many thousands of people visit the city and Beacon Park each year and it is essential that we do whatever we can to make them accessible to everyone.
“Changing Places are designed to meet the needs of disabled people and have a positive effect on their lives and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the delivery of this latest facility in Lichfield.”
Tony Clough MBE, who campaigns for the installation of Changing Places facilities, attended the opening with his father, and sister Julie who is disabled.
“These places are vitally important,” he said.
“They give people the opportunity to enjoy a whole day out rather than just a few hours and remove the need to change a disabled person on a dirty floor.
“I have been campaigning for the best part of 15 years on behalf of people like (my sister) Julie.
“I think this Changing Places facility is great. The council’s officers have done a good job creating it in a short timescale.”
Mark Colebrook, Managing Director of Astor Bannerman which manufactured, supplied and installed the specialist equipment for Lichfield’s new Changing Places facility said:
“As the leading UK manufacturer of Changing Places equipment, and an experienced turnkey solution provider, we are proud to have installed this new Changing Places Toilet.
“It includes the latest equipment, including the innovative Astor Invincible Changing Table, which has been designed specifically for Changing Places Toilets.”
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. We are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.