Leeds Station leads the way in accessibility after opening new Changing Places facility
Network Rail has opened its latest Changing Places facility at Leeds railway station, in a move which will help make travel on the railway much more accessible for people with disabilities.
The train operator hopes that the new facility will offer confidence in rail travel to over 250,000 people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
Registered by the Changing Places Consortium, the new facility includes an adult size, height adjustable changing bench along with an integrated hoist system, and plenty of space for a disabled person and up to two carers.
It can be found on the main concourse next to the current male, female and accessible toilets that were recently upgraded as part of the Leeds station improvements scheme.
Along with the new facility, Leeds station has also added a new accessible toilet on platform zero, and there are also plans underway to open a new accessible lounge and bring back seating which was removed due to social distancing measures.
Maxine Joicey, Station Customer Experience Manager for Network Rail, said: “It’s important that all of our passengers are able to travel with confidence through the station, so we’re delighted to open the new facility which will give those who have limited mobility the space and equipment they need.
“We’re lucky to be located in a city which is leading the way in accessibility and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment at the station.
“We hope to achieve this by providing disability awareness training to the station team this month and opening a new accessible lounge in the longer term.”
Karen Hoe, Changing Places manager for Muscular Dystrophy UK, which co-chairs the Changing Places Consortium, said:
“We are delighted to see this new Changing Places Toilet now open in Leeds enabling the wider community the opportunity travel and access these vital facilities on their journey.”
As of 2020 the Changing Places Consortium found that there were just 1,500 Changing Places toilets in the UK.
The organisation recently called on local authorities in England to apply for a share of a £30 million fund to install life-enhancing Changing Places toilets in public places and tourist attractions, providing a significant increase in areas where users want them most.
