The Millennium Stadium is now closer to achieving its aim of removing any barriers to its use by disabled people: it has opened a new Changing Places assisted, accessible toilet.
Supplied and installed by Closomat, the UK’s leading provider of disabled toilet solutions, the new facility means that anyone who needs the help of a carer can now participate in Stadium events, relaxed in the knowledge there is appropriate personal care provision. Strategically located on Level 3, opposite Aisle 331, the Millennium Stadium facility is on the most level and accessible floor of the building, and where the highest number of disabled seats is allotted.
Bigger than conventional wheelchair-accessible toilets, Changing Places have more equipment too, including an adult-sized height adjustable changing bench, and ceiling hoist. The Stadium facility compliments the existing wheelchair-accessible and ambulant accessible toilets already provided on each concourse.
We’ve been wanting to include a Changing Places for some years, explained Stadium Facilities Manager Darren Crossman. A full review of space has recently been completed, which enabled us to allocate a suitable location for the toilet. A contribution from the Rugby World Cup (England 2015) has assisted us in being able to proceed, and install the Changing Places as a stand-alone project, and have it open ready for the rugby kick-off in September.
Adds Kelvin Grimes, Closomat’s Changing Places project manager,
With a capacity of nearly 75,000 people, and 1 in 5 of the population being registered disabled, it is great that the Millennium Stadium has opened a Changing Places to accommodate people who need a carer to help them with their personal hygiene. The Stadium is joining Wembley in installing these toilets. We hope more stadia will step up to the plate and follow this exemplary approach to inclusivity, which is ‘desirable’ and judged best practice under current guidance and legislation.
Closomat has a 50+ years-long proven track record on the supply and installation of fully accessible toilets, and hygiene rooms, including a substantial number of Changing Places facilities. Its ability to deliver design advice, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment, including the Closomat wash and dry (automatic) toilet, means it is uniquely positioned to simplify the whole process for forward-thinking environments to which the public have access.
Closomat’s website has all the tools available for progression of a Changing Places toilet, from general and industry-specific white papers to CAD drawings, typical layouts and specification criteria.
