Closomat ups accessibility at Newquay Zoo

The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which operates Newquay Zoo, has officially opened its first Changing Places assisted accessible toilet at the venue, as part of a programme of alterations to enhance accessibility.

Supplied and installed by Closomat, the new facility includes an adult-sized changing bench, ceiling track hoist and privacy screen alongside the conventional equipment found in a wheelchair-accessible WC. 

Mike Finnegan, Newquay Zoo operations manager, comments: “We have brought in mobile accessible facilities a few times in the past. The number of people responding positively each time reinforced our belief that the right thing to do was to build something permanent. It allows greater accessibility for more people, and breaks down barriers.”

Claire Haymes, Closomat away from home co-ordinator, adds: “Without Changing Places toilets, people who need the extra space and specialist equipment cannot go to the loo when away from home. By providing such facilities, Newquay Zoo is enabling everyone to go to the Zoo, regardless of their needs for intimate hygiene.”

The addition of the Changing Places facility comes as part of the Zoo’s new mission to improve accessibility across the site. Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which owns Newquay Zoo, is planning to install more Changing Places across its sites in the future.

Under Building Regulations and British Standards (BS8300:2018), a Changing Places should be provided in any facilities to which numbers of the public have access, and/or spend a length of time.

Closomat can provide an in-house, ‘one- stop-shop’ complete package for ‘away from home’ assisted accessible toilet facilities, including Changing Places and Space to Change, from design and commissioning, through to project management, supply and installation. It is also unique in being able to additionally provide subsequent maintenance and repair.

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Closomat
Building 1, Brooklands Place,
Brooklands Road,
Sale,
Cheshire,
M33 6SD,
United Kingdom

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