The Tower of London
Muscular Dystrophy UK has confirmed that the Tower of London is now the oldest public building to have registered a Changing Places toilet as the push to increase the number of facilities across the UK continues.

Located in the historic fortress’ New Armouries Building, which dates back to 1663-64, the new facility will provide access to toileting equipment designed for visitors with complex needs.

Preethi Narasimhan, Project Manager, Tower of London said: “The installation of a Changing Places toilet at the Tower of London builds on Historic Royal Palaces’ commitment to accessibility, and demonstrates that even this most challenging of historic settings isn’t a barrier to offering all our visitors the facilities they need to explore and enjoy this magnificent landmark.”

Installed by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that manages the castle, the Changing Places toilet boasts a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and wash basin, ceiling hoist and a peninsular toilet with drop-down hand rails.

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Robert Burley, Director of Campaigns, Care and Support for Muscular Dystrophy UK, said the installation is a much-needed step in the right direction to making tourist attractions more accessible to all. and tackling the exclusion that disabled people face.

“Everyone has the right to use a public toilet when they need to and Changing Places toilets are a lifeline for more than a quarter of a million disabled people across the UK,” he commented.

“Having access to one of the 1,524 Changing Places toilets across the country can make a world of difference for people with conditions like muscular dystrophy, ensuring greater independence and making planning days out much easier.”

With currently over 1,500 Changing Places registered in the UK, the number is set to increase over 2021 and beyond after the government announced amendments to building regulations back in September 2020.

Taking effect on 1 January 2021, the changes being made to the Approved Document M: Access to and use of buildings, Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings regulation will require new or refurbished large public buildings will be mandated to provide changing places toilets.

“As the country emerges from the crisis, we need to ensure that this experience is not wasted and that it drives empathetic change for the people who will benefit most from the increased provision of changing places toilets,” stated the Government’s published response to the consultation on changing places toilets.

The change in policy represents a significant opportunity for suppliers and installers of Changing Places equipment, which is expected to add the facilities to more than 150 new buildings each year.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/london-4395918_1280.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/london-4395918_1280-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorGovernment & Local AuthoritiesNewsroomSector NewsThird Sectoraccess,accessible,Changing,complex,Dystrophy,equipment,London,Muscular,needs,Places,toilet,TowerMuscular Dystrophy UK has confirmed that the Tower of London is now the oldest public building to have registered a Changing Places toilet as the push to increase the number of facilities across the UK continues. Located in the historic fortress’ New Armouries Building, which dates back to 1663-64, the...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals