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Work has begun on Ripon city centre’s first Changing Places toilet, which is scheduled for delivery in early August.

In the meantime, the existing block on site at the back of Sainsbury’s and near the bus station is closed and eight temporary toilets – two of them accessible to wheelchair users – are in place.

Eight temporary toilets have been put in place as work gets under way

The work follows an announcement in April by North Yorkshire Council that Killinghall company Dalebuild Ltd had been awarded a £162,000 contract to build the new facility.

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.

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.

Ripon Disability Forum is working alongside businesses and other organisations in the city for its Access Ambassadors initiative to make Ripon more access aware and accessible.

Trustee Jeremy Dunford previously 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: Work is getting  under way on the city centre’s first Changing Places toilet