Facilities for the Disabled Changing Places to boost January sales
Forward-thinking shopping centres are set to see an increase in visitor numbers, especially with the January sales, simply because they have adopted a more accessible approach, in line with latest Regulations.
D
isabled people spend over £80b a year, yet 80% of them have, according to research, taken their business elsewhere because the location was inaccessible to them. (Source: Employers Forum on Disability.) Research also shows people make a conscious decision NOT to visit somewhere if they feel there are not suitable toilets. Now, under the 2013 Building Regulations Approved Document M, it is now ‘desirable’ for any location to which the public have access to incorporate a Changing Places assisted accessible toilet in addition to standard accessible toilet facilities. Offering more space than traditional accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities further include equipment to enable anyone who needs the help of a carer to toilet to do so in appropriate, hygienic surroundings. The Trafford Centre, Frenchgate Shopping Centre, WestQuay, the Metro Centre, and Manchester Arndale have already installed Changing Places toilets, to enable more disabled people to spend time- and money- at the venues. The
Trafford Centre is just one of the leading venues that chose Clos-o-Mat to supply and install the Changing Places toilet, and it further chose to replace the standard conventional WC therein with a Clos-o-Mat automatic shower (wash and dry) toilet. Andy Bates, customer services manager at the Centre, commented, “We pride ourselves on listening to our customers It was a lot of research, and listening to those customers, that focussed us on investing in additional changing facilities, and user testimony is reinforcing we made the right choice.” Adds Kelvin Grimes, Clos-o-Mat Changing Places project manager, “We go to the toilet on average eight times a day. We have all experienced the need to use public conveniences when away from home, and made decisions either to go back somewhere or not because of the toilets! If you need the help of a carer, if there are not suitable facilities such as Changing Places, you end up potentially being changed on the floor, cutting your trip short, or even soiling yourself.” Clos-o-Mat is the leading supplier of
Stevenage station refurbishment set to begin
F
irst Capital Connect has announced that Stevenage station, which is the start or end point for more than four million journeys every year, is to benefit from lifts that passengers can operate themselves, and a smart new concourse and ticket hall. However, during the work, from 9 December 2013 to early March next year, the existing lifts will be taken out of service and there will be no step-free access at the station. Disabled passengers are being urged to call a free helpline before they travel: 0800 058 2844, textphone 0800 975 1052 or online at
firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/accessibility. The existing lifts are designed for goods and require a member of staff to be present. They will be replaced by modern equivalents which can be easily operated by passengers.
While the lifts are out of service, support will be provided for passengers
30 facilities for the disabled
able to make use of the stairs but who have heavy luggage or buggies. Alternative transport to the nearest accessible station will be arranged for passengers who can’t use the stairs. It is best to book this in advance using the free assisted travel helpline. Station staff will also help passengers who turn up on the day but it is likely to take longer.
The improvement work will also see the station concourse and ticket hall receive new slip-resistant flooring and sleek slate-grey wall tiles. Areas behind the existing shops will be brought back into use, allowing for the existing units to be expanded, opening up new retail units within the station.
Speaking ahead of the work, First Capital Connect’s Customer Service Director Keith Jipps said: “It is fantastic news that Stevenage is getting the smartened up station that it deserves. There will be some unavoidable
disruption to passengers as work is carried out but we have briefed our staff and urge people to book in advance with our free assisted travel helpline team who will do all they can to help.”
Local MP Stephen McPartland said: “I am absolutely delighted Stevenage station will be getting a makeover and the plans include the fully automated passenger lifts. We have all helped families struggling with suitcases and pushchairs up the stairs, so this will come as a welcome relief to everyone and especially disabled passengers. I very much look forward to working with First Capital Connect to deliver the modernisation plans with as little disruption as possible. This is another fantastic investment in our town, which we can be proud of.”
Building & Facilities Management – December 2013
Changing Places toilets, and the only British company capable of providing in- house design advice, supply, installation, project management, commissioning and on-going service/ maintenance of the equipment therein. Since the Changing Places campaign began, over 550 have been opened at venues across the country, enabling disabled people to enjoy life beyond their home. Tel: 0161 969 1199
www.clos-o-mat.com Email:
info@clos-o-mat.com
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