Work underway for new Changing Places facility due to open in Gainsborough
Work has officially begun on a new Changing Places facility at the Roseway car park public toilets in Gainsborough.
The new facility will provide people with profound and multiple disabilities, along with their carers, access to a fully accessible toilet, helping make the town more inclusive and enabling more people to enjoy spending time in Gainsborough with confidence and dignity.
The new Changing Places facility is expected to be completed and open by the end of September.
Alison Beevers, who has campaigned for a Changing Places facility in Gainsborough and has worked closely with the Council on the project, said: “Changing Places toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets and are designed to support both children and adults with disabilities who require additional equipment, such as a hoist and changing bench, as well as extra space for carers.
“This will be the first facility of its kind in Gainsborough, enabling disabled people and their families to access the town centre more easily, comfortably, and with dignity. It will provide reassurance that they have access to a suitable toilet facility, allowing them to spend longer in the town without having to cut their visit short. I look forward to seeing its progress over the coming months.”
Coun Jeanette McGee, who along with Coun Karen Carless, has been working on getting the Changing Places facility in town, said she is delighted the work is underway.
She said: “Working alongside Coun Carless and Alison Beevers, we’ve been committed to bringing a Changing Places facility to Gainsborough because we know the positive impact it will have on so many people.
“This is an important investment in making our town more inclusive, welcoming and accessible, and I’m looking forward to seeing it open later this summer.”
Luke Matthews, Senior Building & Projects officer, at West Lindsey District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see this important project progressing. Changing Places facilities remove barriers for many people and their families, giving them greater confidence to visit, shop and spend time in our town.
“We’re proud to be delivering a facility that will have such a positive impact on residents and visitors alike.”
The facility will be a modular building manufactured off site, minimising disruption at the location.
Steve Howell, of Chester Composites, the contractors who are carrying out the work, said: “At Chester Composites, we are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to supply a much-needed Changing Places facility for the town of Gainsborough.
“We know that standard accessible toilets simply do not meet the needs of everyone and by providing an adult-sized changing facility complete with hoist and extra space, this prime location will allow individuals with complex disabilities to enjoy everything their community has to offer.”