Best value for everyone is being delivered as a result of “joined up” thinking by project teams at a local Council, the end results of which will help deliver a unique tourism opportunity.
As part of its Deep History Coast project, aimed at making the most of the Ice Age coastline, North Norfolk District Council planned to refurbish and upgrade its Information Centre in Cromer. Through work by local accessibility campaigner Emma Spagnola, the Council was aware of the need to enhance its inclusion offering.
Thus, it took the opportunity to build on the central refurbishment, and simultaneously include a Changing Places assisted accessible toilet in the Information Centre building.
Supplied and installed by Closomat, gives people who need help with their intimate hygiene more space (12m2), plus appropriate equipment including a peninsular WC, full room cover ceiling track hoist, height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and privacy screen. The Changing Places ensures the Centre now offers a full complement of toilet facilities, being alongside a family room, male, female, and conventional wheelchair-accessible toilets.
“The Deep History Coast project aims to rival Jurassic Coast in Devon and Cornwall, and provide North Norfolk with a unique, spectacular tourism attraction,” explained Project Support Officer Darren Payne. “The work being done at the Information Centre to deliver that gave us a great opportunity to get best value for the Council, residents of the district, and visitors, by providing a Changing Places at the focal point for the whole North Norfolk area.
“North Norfolk District Council is committed to doing what it can to ensure it is as accessible as possible. Mrs Spagnola has done a great job in the region, and nationally, in raising awareness of the need for Changing Places. Without such toilet facilities, tens of thousands of disabled people are deprived of enjoying numerous activities most of us take for granted, as they can’t find suitable toilet facilities. In worst case scenarios, they face having to be changed on the floor, or just not visit somewhere. We hope we can include more Changing Places in future refurbishment projects.”
Under British Standards (BS8300:2018), it is best practice to provide a Changing Places toilet in addition to conventional accessible facilities in buildings where the public spend time. Building Regulations Approved Document M (2103) further states that Changing Places toilets should be provided within buildings to which the public have access, alongside conventional wheelchair-accessible WCs.
Closomat has become the leader in the design, supply, installation and subsequent maintenance of Changing Places; its website www.closomat.co.uk is now the ‘go to’ location for support information for all involved in the specification and build process, with NBS specifications, CAD blocks, white papers and guidance notes all available for free download.
