St David's introduces new changing places facilities

25th November 2010

St David’s, Cardiff has announced the opening of its new ‘Changing Places’ accredited facilities.

The facilities, located on the ground level of the Eastside area of the shopping centre, are the only facilities in Cardiff city centre which adhere to the Changing Places criteria, offering disabled visitors more space and additional amenities than standard accessible toilets.

Facilities will only meet the Changing Places standards if they offer adequate space and the correct equipment to meet the needs of disabled individuals. As such, St David’s will now provide changing areas large enough to cater to a disabled visitor and up to two carers, as well as height adjustable, adult-sized changing belts and screens to ensure that individuals and their carers are given the privacy they require.

Steven Madeley, centre director for St David’s, said: “We are always striving to ensure that visitors to St David’s are given access to the very best facilities. Providing our disabled visitors with easily accessible, safe and adequately equipped toilet facilities was crucial to this.

“Although the facilities that we provided prior to the new developments adhered to the needs of disabled visitors and their carers, we wanted to provide further support to those with additional needs, in order to ensure that they were able to visit St David’s and enjoy their experience without any difficulty. It is hoped that the new facilities will now enhance and improve their visit. 

The Changing Places campaign was launched on behalf of individuals who are unable to use standard accessible toilets, a group which includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities as well as many other disabled people. It seeks to ensure that public places, including shopping centres, hospitals, airports and leisure complexes, provide Changing Places toilets in addition to standard accessible toilets for visitors.

Cardiff Council’s executive member for housing, communities and social justice, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “I recently visited the new facilities at St David’s, and was very pleased with the provision provided to disabled individuals at the centre, they will go along way in providing disabled shoppers with a safe and comfortable visit.

“I would also add that the facilities are fully endorsed by the councils Access Focus Group, which is overseen by Dr Robert Gravelle, Access Officer at the council, who works closely with community groups to ensure ease of access for all.”

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