The disabled friendly accessible toilets in the new look Southport Market have been praised by access groups and used as a case study by the firm which installed them.
The Changing Places Facilities have a host of extra equipment and space needed for people with a wide range of disabilities which aren’t usually catered for.
They are among the highlights of the new Southport Market, which has been transformed by Sefton Council into an exciting food, drink and events venue.
The local authority is now pursuing funding for similar facilities to be provided elsewhere in the borough.
Southport Market was officially opened in July this year after a £1.4million conversion, supported by £900,000 Town Deal funding plus £500,000 from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability. Over a quarter of a million people in the UK with a disability need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by Changing Places toilets.
The new Changing Places toilets are also a boost for the growing number of local businesses operating in the Market Quarter area of town.
“Southport Market has a brand-new Changing Places Facility, the facility is a purpose-built facility meaning the facilities are of excellent quality and has been praised by access groups, families and used as a case study by the company who installed the facility,” said Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, in reply to a question at the last full council meeting.
“The Changing Places facility in the market is a large accessible toilet for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as hoist, curtains, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.
“Over 250,000 people in the country need these facilities to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities many of us take for granted.
“After meeting Southport Access For Everyone further additions will take place.
“We will have similar facilities in the new Southport Lakeside Events Centre, Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, and we are actively pursuing funding for more of these facilities across Sefton.
“The Market’s accessible toilet has been refurbished and a standalone baby change facility also built. Also, despite the building being old, ramped access is provided and the specific layout means that around the apron and the bar, there is ample space to manoeuvre wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other aids, buggies prams and trollies, all of which have been evident since the market re-opened and highlights the inclusive nature of the operation and the mixed demographic of the customers”.
In the UK the number of people who would benefit from a Changing Places toilet would include approximately:
40,000 people with profound and multiple learning disabilities
130,000 older people, including people with Dementia and Alzheimer’s
30,000 people with muscular dystrophy and neuromuscular conditions
30,000 people with cerebral palsy
13,000 people with an acquired brain injury
8,500 people with Multiple Sclerosis
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