Ripon city centre is to get its first Changing Places toilet following the award of a £162,000 contract to Killinghall company Dalebuild Ltd.
The facility will be built on the site of the existing toilet block at the back of Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The toilets are larger and more accessible for people with disabilities and restricted mobility who cannot use standard accessible toilets. They include equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.
News of the contract awarded by North Yorkshire Council was announced at last night’s full meeting of Ripon City Council by Councillor Andrew Williams.
The new toilet will be built on the site of the existing block near the bus station
The city council leader and North Yorkshire Council member for the Minster and Moorside division that includes the city centre, said:
“Now that the contract has been confirmed, we look forward to seeing it built and in use as soon as possible.”
“With its proximity to the bus station, it is a great addition to Ripon, making the city centre more accessible for local residents and visitors.”
After a successful bid by the now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council and Ripon Disability Forum, £40,000 was granted through the government’s Changing Places Fund towards the cost of the new facility.
Jeremy Dunford, a trustee of RDF which, through its Access Ambassadors initiative, is working alongside businesses and other organisations in the city to make Ripon more access aware and accessible, told the Stray Ferret:
“Changing Places toilets allow families greater freedom when caring for a family member with specific needs.
“They allow whole families to shop, visit and travel with more confidence and security. For independent people with greater need it means their independence is supported by the facilities they need.
“This is great news for businesses, residents and visitors to the city of Ripon.”
Changing Places toilets at other Ripon locations
Ripon already has a Changing Places toilet at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre but not one in the city centre,
However, Ripon Cathedral has plans to include one as part of its proposed £8 million annexe development on Minster Gardens, These would be in replacement for the current public toilets on the site.
Main image: The Changing Places toilet design ensures that they are fully accessible.
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