Changing Places facility opens in Burnley park

A brand new state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet has been installed in Thompson Park, Burnley, to help make the popular visitor attraction even more accessible for all.

The new facilities are located on the car park.

They have all the features necessary to make them compliant to be registered as a Changing Places destination. These include features such as a powered hoist and sink, shower, grab rails, alarm, privacy screen etc. There is an aerial view of Thompson Park on an interior feature wall.

The facilities were officially opened by the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Arif Khan, watched by Friends of Thompson Park and Queen’s Park, and disabled visitors who said the facilities would make the park more welcoming to a wider range of people.

The scheme cost around £80,000 and was funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant provided by central government and distributed to local authorities. It was supplied by specialist contractor RISE Ltd and installed by local contractor Marchbridge Ltd

It’s the second Changing Places facility in one of Burnley's main parks – a similar site was opened in Towneley Park February 2020.

Keiron Roberts, Burnley Council’s parks development manager, said: “Thompson Park is very popular and already provides inclusive facilities including an inclusive play area, cafe, gardens and a wheelchair accessible carriage on the miniature railway. We want to make it as accessible as possible for everyone .

“Standard accessible toilets are not suitable for all users. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably so this facility will fulfil this need.

“It’s part of Burnley Council’s commitment to making public spaces accessible for all visitors and users.”

There are also Changing Places facilities in Burnley at St Peter’s leisure centre and Charter Walk shopping centre.