Scotland’s first purpose-built Arts Centre has become the first such venue in the region to open a Changing Places toilet, supplied and installed by Closomat.
Macrobert Arts Centre, at the heart of University of Stirling, is believed to be the first Arts Centre in Scotland to have a facility such as this.
Complimenting the three existing wheelchair-accessible toilets already at the arts centre, the Changing Places offers 12 square metres more space to accommodate the user and up to two carers.
Additional equipment is also part of it, including a ceiling track hoist to help lifting and transfer, an adult sized height adjustable changing bench, height adjustable washbasin, peninsular toilet to enable assistance from either side, and a privacy screen.
Elizabeth Fuller, Macrobert Arts Centre’s venue manager, commented: “The Centre has a commitment to being accessible and inclusive, to fit the needs of the individual as opposed to the majority.
“Changing Places Toilets campaigner Laura Rutherford asked about including one of the toilet facilities, so she and her son Brody could access the whole variety of arts programming and activities that we offer.”
One Changing Places user said: “Elizabeth instantly understood the difference a Changing Places Toilet would make. It is the difference between being stuck at home, or having the confidence to go out.
“I am so grateful to the Macrobert for listening and promoting access for all.”
Under Building Regulations and British Standards, a Changing Places toilet is ‘desirable’ in buildings in which numbers of the public have access. Since their inception ten years ago, 1000 have been opened nationwide.
