Published: Thursday, 03rd October 2024
Changing Places toilets now open at Failsworth, Royton and Chadderton Town Halls with two more due to open in the town centre
Three new Changing Places toilets are now open in Oldham - boosting accessibility across the borough.
Changing Places are fully accessible toilets for people with disabilities and additional needs. They include an adjustable adult-sized changing bench, an electric hoist system and plenty of space for carers to assist.
In Oldham, Changing Places are now open at Chadderton Town Hall, Failsworth Town Hall and the newly restored Royton Town Hall.
Two more are being built in the town centre - at the Old Library and new market and events space in Spindles. They will open when the two developments complete next year.
Cllr Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: "I’m proud that we are providing these essential facilities to make Oldham a welcoming place for all.
"Over a quarter of a million people in the UK need Changing Places toilets to enable them to get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day activities which many of us take for granted.
"Changing Places go beyond standard accessible toilets, offering people with severe disabilities a dignified and safe space to attend to their personal needs.
“These new facilities, at the heart of our town centres, will make life much easier for many residents and visitors and I hope they can enjoy more freedom as a result.”
Chadderton Town Hall Changing Places Toilet
Chris Hepburn from Oldham Parent Carer Forum, supported by POINT, said: "I had the opportunity to look at the new Changing Places whilst visiting Royton Town Hall.
"The Changing Places has a varied range of adaptations available to make it more inclusive and accessible to support people with additional needs and disabilities. They're a welcome addition to the borough."
Oldham council successfully applied to the Government's Changing Places fund to secure £200,500 in grants to create the three new town hall toilets.
Minister for Democracy and Local Growth, Alex Norris said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress made in delivering modern, accessible facilities to disabled people and their carers across Oldham.
“It is great to see this programme giving people the freedom to enjoy the local areas they love and live their lives with dignity.”
The two new town centre Changing Places are funded by Oldham Council.
Situated in the restored Old Library and brand new market and events space at Spindles, they will further boost the ongoing transformation of the town centre - ensuring it has first-class, modern facilities to meet the needs of all residents and visitors.
Oldham joins a growing network of over 2,400 Changing Places across the UK. They are registered on the changing places website changing-places.org where you can see the full facilities, find your nearest location and plan your journeys.
