Banbury changing places opens in Castle Quay

The disabled adult changing facility opened today in Banbury's shopping centre addresses a longstanding need for better provision for people living with disabilities.
Back row: Dewi Roberts, Kat Allsworth, Kat Lucas and Kirsty Jarvis. front and centre  Freya FletcherBack row: Dewi Roberts, Kat Allsworth, Kat Lucas and Kirsty Jarvis. front and centre  Freya Fletcher
Back row: Dewi Roberts, Kat Allsworth, Kat Lucas and Kirsty Jarvis. front and centre Freya Fletcher

The need for such a facility has been championed by Accessible Banbury and its opening marks the end of an almost three year campaign by the group.

Kat Allsworth, an Accessible Banbury campaigner who was at the opening with her disabled daughter Freya, said: "It means we can stay out all day without having to rush home to get Freya changed. It's perfectly placed, not just for Castle Quay and the Castle Quay 2 development but also for the town centre."

Specialist design and architecture firm turnerbates was appointed to deliver the project which features an electronically adjustable changing table for adults, height adjustable sink, a shower, privacy screen and an electronic hoist.

Height adjustable sink and changing tableHeight adjustable sink and changing table
Height adjustable sink and changing table

Special care has also been given to the smallest of details such as the choice of paint colour and the addition of dimmable lighting for sensory sensitive users.

Oliver Wren, centre director at Castle Quay Shopping Centre, said: “Our goal is to ensure Castle Quay is accessible for all. The arrival of the Changing Places is a real step forward for our town and is another demonstration of our commitment to meeting the needs of our shoppers.

"Castle Quay is an important part of Banbury’s community and we believe the changes help to make the town a more welcoming place for people living with disabilities of all kinds.”

In addition to the Changing Places facility Castle Quay also opened the new men's and women's toilets, a baby changing station featuring a breast feeding privacy booth and an information help desk.

The new facility opened todayThe new facility opened today
The new facility opened today

The star of the show, however, is the disabled adult changing facility which has been deemed 'one of the best'.

Kirsty Jarvis, who has a disabled sibling, said: "It's odd to think that a toilet can be life changing, but it really is."

Kat Lucas, from Accessible Banbury added: "It's brilliant, just brilliant."