Seven new 'changing places' facilities coming to Dorset
The Council's revealed where the toilets will be installed
More details have been revealed about new 'changing places' facilities across Dorset.
The Council's got £454,250 of Government funding from the Levelling Up department for the toilets, which will provide additional space and equipment for people with disabilities to use.
The funding is part of a £30 million national programme to increase the number of changing places toilets (CPTs) nationally.
There are currently 1,790 registered CPTs across the country, six of which are in the Dorset Council area.
A changing places facility must include things like height adjustable adult changing benches, a ceiling track hoist, a peninsular toilet with space for two assistants, privacy screen along with practical things such as wide paper rolls, a large waste disposal bin, a back rest on the toilet seat and (preferably) a height adjustable wash basin.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Assets and Property, said:
“Following on from our successful bids to Government for decarbonisation of our buildings, to the Shared Prosperity Fund which replaces EU regional funding and our Levelling Up bid for Weymouth we have now successfully bid into this new Government initiative.
“I am so pleased we have been successful, making Dorset a more welcoming and safer place for our visitors and residents. Easy and pleasant access to appropriate toilet facilities can make a big difference to the enjoyment of a day out. We are really pleased that Government is investing in these important changing places.”
Dorset Parent Carer Council which is run by parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs or disability (SEND) said:
“We were delighted to learn that Dorset Council’s bid to add more changing places toilets across Dorset has been so successful. We are extremely grateful to parents and carers who took part in the survey that shaped the bid application.”
Where will the new ones go?
The latest funding will go towards facilities at:
- North Beach Car Park, Swanage - in partnership with Swanage Town Council
- Knoll Beach Car Park, Studland - in partnership with National Trust
- West Bay All Inclusive Play Area - in partnership with Bridport Town Council
- West Bay Holiday Park - in partnership with Park Dean resorts
- Bridport Bus Station and visiting coach park - in partnership with Bridport Town Council
- Castle View at Corfe Castle - in partnership with the National Trust
- Farmer Palmer's Farm Park at Organford
Installation will begin on those facilities in the next couple of months.
Sandra Palmer-Snellin – Director, Farmer Palmers Farm Park, said:
“Being able to welcome customers with additional mobility needs and providing them with complete peace of mind so they can enjoy an amazing day out, is very important to us.
“This funding will allow us to transform one of our toilet rooms into a fully functioning disabled facility, containing specialist equipment, meaning everyone, regardless of their disability or mobility needs, can enjoy our farm park, safe in the knowledge all their toilet needs will be met.”
Bridport Town Council said:
“We are delighted to be able to provide this much needed facility alongside our fully accessible, award winning and PiPA (Plan Inclusive Play Area) certified play and picnic area at West Bay. The Changing place will enable both visitors and residents, of all abilities, to be able to enjoy the play area and all that West Bay has to offer as a destination.
“The changing place will be a new purpose-built room as an extension to the exciting toilet block, in the main West Bay Car Park.”
Councillor Mike Bonfield, Chairman of Swanage Town Council’s Community Services Committee, said:
"Swanage Town Council is really pleased that Dorset Council is constructing a new changing places toilet at North Beach Car Park. This will be a fantastic facility and will allow more people than ever to enjoy Swanage."