Euston Station, one of the UK’s busiest train stations, has just opened a new Changing Places toilet.

 

 

Changing Places facilities in transport hubs allow those who need them to travel further in safety and comfort. With only 0.5% of Train Stations and 20% of Motorway Service Stations having a fully accessible facility, there is a lot of scope for improvement in terms of making our transport more inclusive.

So how did the planning and design process work for Euston Station? And what do transport hubs need to consider generally when thinking about the installation of Changing Places toilets for visitors?

CHANGING PLACES FOR TRANSPORT HUBS: THINGS TO CONSIDER

The team at Aveso advised Euston Station when they were first planning the installation of their toilet. As well as giving guidance on equipment requirements and layout, these broader considerations were also discussed, and they are relevant for most transport hubs:

Legislative Requirements

Under the Government’s new Changing Places rules, which came into force in January 2021, motorway service areas and transport hubs with a capacity for 350 or more people, may be required to install a Changing Places toilet if it is a new build or the building is undergoing a major refurbishment.

For more information visit www.gov.uk

Access and Signage

It is important that Changing Places toilets are easy to access, and include clear signage to direct visitors to the facility.

Checks and Maintenance

It is important that regular checks are made to Changing Places facilities at transport hubs and motorway services. This is to ensure that all equipment is in working order and ready for next use. Large volumes of people may be using the toilet, so hygiene and working equipment is paramount.

General Public Access

Have a view to making your Changing Places toilet as accessible as possible to visitors and the general public. This offers a safe and accessible facility for the local community as well as your venue. Euston Station’s Changing places toilet is located on the main concourse so is open to the public.

Added Space for Luggage

It is important to consider extra room for luggage in a transport hub. Changing Places are already larger than standard accessible toilets to cater for added equipment and room for carers, but this does not allow for luggage space. The team at Euston Station decided that there was enough space for luggage within the toilet as it is incredibly spacious. There is also a left luggage point in the station.

Branding and Theming

Think about ways you can tie in your Changing Places toilet with your brand. The tiles and panels in the Euston Station Changing places toilet are in ‘Network Rail blue’.

Consider Including Showers

Transport hubs and motorway services may require shower facilities within their Changing Places room, to cater for people who have travelled long distances and would like the use of a shower. At Euston Station accessible showers are already provided for those travelling overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper.

Location

As well as considering access to your toilet, it is also important to consider placement within the venue and whether it is best placed to accommodate people with disabilities. Euston Station’s Changing Places toilet is located opposite the existing toilets, making it easy to find.

Equality Act 2010

A Changing Places toilet facility should be provided in all large railway stations (category A). The Changing Places facility should be in addition to, not instead of, the provision of unisex accessible WCs’ – From Accessible train station design for disabled people: A code of practice.

ABOUT AVESO

Aveso have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013 as sponsors, and we are passionate about growing awareness of Changing Places toilets, and increasing the number of installations. Aveso provide free, expert advice on all aspects of Changing Places requirements, and also offer free CPD sessions covering legislation, requirements and specifications, planning and design. Please contact us for support on a Changing Places Project.

ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN

Astor Bannerman, based in the UK, are the only manufacturer of the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including wall mounted and mobile changing tables, ceiling hoists and height adjustable washbasins. As product designers, they are innovative and forward thinking, continually seeking to improve and develop new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets. Astor Bannerman offer a full project management service to assist all aspects of a Changing Places project from design through to installation and launch. Please contact Astor Bannerman for design, specification and project management support.