Work is now under way on a major project set to bring a long-unused town centre building back to life while creating new facilities for residents, visitors and businesses in Sleaford.

The transformation of 25b Southgate, tucked away off Money's Yard, will see the former property converted into public toilets, a fully accredited Changing Places facility and new business opportunities, all aimed at boosting accessibility and bringing fresh life to the town centre.

The four-month programme of refurbishment and improvement works has now started, with the project expected to be completed by mid-October and open in time for the autumn half-term holidays.

One of the centrepieces of the scheme will be a Changing Places facility, providing specialist equipment for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

The transformation of 25b Southgate, tucked away off Money's Yard, will see the former property converted into public toilets, a fully accredited Changing Places facility and new business opportunities

placeholder image — The transformation of 25b Southgate, tucked away off Money's Yard, will see the former property converted into public toilets, a fully accredited Changing Places facility and new business opportunities

The facility will include a height-adjustable changing bench, ceiling hoist and additional space designed to support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and other conditions requiring extra support.

Council Leader Cllr Richard Wright said the investment would help more people enjoy everything Sleaford has to offer.

He said the facility would enable more people to attend events, go shopping and spend leisure time in the town with greater comfort and confidence.

Around a quarter of a million people across the UK are estimated to require access to Changing Places facilities, which provide significantly more equipment and space than conventional accessible toilets.

Alongside the new public conveniences, the project will also create two new business opportunities. Plans include a café kiosk overlooking a riverside garden area on the ground floor, while an upstairs suite of rooms will provide additional commercial space.

The wider scheme includes improvements both inside and outside the building, with contractors Build Manager aiming to keep disruption to a minimum throughout the works programme.

Measures include maintaining safe pedestrian access wherever possible, carefully managing deliveries and vehicle movements, and working closely with neighbouring businesses and residents.

The company has extensive experience delivering accredited Changing Places facilities and has previously completed similar projects for local authorities, including North Lincolnshire Council.

There are currently 18 registered Changing Places facilities across Lincolnshire, including sites at ONE NK Leisure Centre and the International Bomber Command Centre. Sleaford already has a facility at the Rainbow Stars hub, and the addition of a second town-centre location is expected to further strengthen the town's accessibility credentials.

Once complete, the project will not only improve facilities for residents and visitors but also help breathe new life into a vacant building in the heart of the town.