Changing Places Toilets for Leisure & Sport Stadia

Changing Places Toilets for Leisure & Sport Stadia

Changing Places toilets within sporting & leisure facilities offer everyone the opportunity to get involved in team activities and feel part of a community. Inclusion is becoming ever more important in the sporting world and access to sport is now a top priority.

With this in mind, stadia & leisure facilities are realising the importance of Changing Places to ensure they can be fully inclusive and accessible for people who can’t access standard accessible toilets.

In the UK the Premiership Clubs have led the way (albeit some more to follow) and now we are working closely across a wide range of stadiums in the UK and Europe to integrate Changing Places, allowing the fans and their families to enjoy the event at leisure.

As sports stadiums are increasing turning to conference and exhibition revenue on top of their core focus, installing a Changing Places room will only benefit the offering.

Aveso are on hand with expert advice and support when considering installing a fully accessible toilet.

Special Considerations / Legislation:

Legislative Requirements Jan 2021

Under the Government’s new Changing Places rules, which came into force in January 2021, sport and leisure buildings with a gross floor area more than 5000m2 will be required to install a Changing Places toilet if it is a new build or the building is undergoing a major refurbishment. Download the changes to the Building Regulations. Download the changes to the Building Regulations

Access & Signage

It is important that your Changing Places toilet is easy to access within your venue, including clear signage to direct visitors to the facility. The Aveso design team can advise you when it comes to access requirements as well as offer tips and guidance on signage.

Checks & Maintenance

It is important that regular checks are made to CP facilities at sports or leisure facilities. This is to ensure that all equipment is in working order and ready for the next use. Large volumes of people may be using the toilet, so hygiene and working equipment are paramount.

Branding & Theming

There is an opportunity to be creative and tie in your fully accessible toilet with the theme of your venue. 

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 customers/visitors.

Adding room for sports equipment

Changing Places facilities provide extra space for equipment, carers and patient handling, however, an added room may be necessary for users with sports equipment. Aveso can advise on layout and size

Consider including showers

Some sporting facilities may require a shower in a Changing Places facility so that users have the option to shower after they exercise. Aveso can offer advice and support on how to include a shower within your Changing Places room.

Location of facilities

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. Aveso can help with the initial planning stages in terms of identifying the best place for your Changing Places toilet.

Equality Act 2010

The guidance in the Sport England Publication ‘Accessible Sports Facilities’ requires a CP toilet to be provided in sports centres with a nine court sports hall or larger and in swimming pools and leisure centres with a 25metre or longer pool it is also recommended for four court and six court sports halls and 20 metre pools.

CASE STUDIES

The Business Case:

The total inclusive tourism market is worth over £12bn1. Research shows businesses can potentially benefit from longer stays and more spend from the group where a member of the party has a disability. Providing Changing Places not only allow Changing Places users to enjoy the services available but also offer a new or enhanced stream of revenue to Leisure Centres and Sports Stadia.

Discover the Business Case

1 – Great Britain Tourism Survey 2015.