Sherwood Observatory installs bespoke Changing Places toilet for visitors with complex needs
Accessible bathroom and kitchen solutions manufacturer Ropox has helped Sherwood Observatory prioritise accessibility through the installation of fully inclusive toilet facilities.
When Sherwood Observatory set out to develop its new planetarium and science discovery centre, the ambition was clear: to create a space that everyone could enjoy, regardless of their access needs.
But from the outset, the team says that it recognised that standard accessible toilets would not be enough. For people with complex and multiple disabilities, and for the families and carers who support them, inadequate facilities can turn a day out into a stressful experience, often forcing visits to be cut short or avoided altogether.
As the observatory itself noted, “insufficient facilities frequently restricted opportunities for visits.”
Rather than retrofitting accessibility later, Sherwood Observatory made the decision early in the project to include a fully equipped Changing Places toilet. The aim was simple but powerful, to ensure no visitor would be excluded because the right facilities were not available.
To achieve this, the observatory looked for a partner who could provide expert guidance from start to finish, from room layout and equipment selection through to installation. They selected Multicare Medical, drawing on their experience of delivering inclusive, compliant solutions.
Working closely with the main contractor, Ropox delivered a complete, bespoke solution. This included a site survey, tailored room design and the supply and installation of all specialist and ancillary equipment.
The finished facility includes an H-frame ceiling hoist, height-adjustable wash basin, adult-sized changing bench, Doc M–compliant toilet, shower, privacy screen and all required accessories. The room has also been officially registered as a Changing Places facility, making it easy for visitors to plan ahead with confidence.
The impact has been immediate. Sherwood Observatory now offers a modern, fully accessible toilet and changing space that enables visitors with complex needs to enjoy the entire experience, rather than worrying about practical barriers.
Feedback from users and families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as one of the best Changing Places facilities they have encountered. For the observatory, it has reinforced a strong commitment to accessibility, inclusion and community, and helped ensure that curiosity about the universe really is open to everyone.
