The Royal Armouries Museum is the modern home of the United Kingdom’s national collection of arms and armour. It houses one of the largest collections of arms and armour in the world, with more than 4,500 objects from the ancient world to the modern day.
The decision was made to install a Changing Places Toilet to improve accessibility for visitors with more complex needs.
Our experienced team were able to help the museum team plan and design the toilet facility as well as undertake all the necessary building works and equipment installation.
Royal Armouries has three museums across the United Kingdom, the White Tower in the Tower of London, the purpose-built Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, and at Fort Nelson near Fareham, Hampshire.
Two of the three museums now have Changing Places Toilets, with the Tower of London installation also having been completed by Astor Bannerman.
They welcome about 2 million visitors a year across the three sites, so it is important that they are as accessible as possible.
The Changing Places toilet includes a hoist, an adult sized height-adjustable changing bench and washbasin, as well as a personalised privacy screen.
The equipment in the Changing Places toilet includes:
– ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wash Basin
– KwickScreen Wall-Mounted Privacy Screen
– Peninsular Toilet
– Accessories including support and grab rails
To accommodate the new Changing Places Toilet within the existing building, a small existing toilet and adjoining room were combined.
Phil Sugden, Head of Estates and Facilities at the Royal Armouries Museum talked about the project;
“I firmly believe that we should be opening up the museum to a wider audience and that people with enhanced disabilities shouldn’t be restricted to where they can and can’t visit due to a lack of facilities. This was reflected during the opening day seeing the smiles and joy of the kids who would otherwise have been unable to visit the museum.”
“This project has been a real joy to undertake and see the positive impact it can have. Big thanks to Astor Bannerman for the support and professional manner in which the installation has been completed.”
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. The team at Astor Bannerman are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets. It was designed and manufactured in Astor Bannerman’s factory in Gloucestershire.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets both in the UK and worldwide. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and are the leading experts, provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.