The New Forest District Council started the project to improve accessibility by transforming an old public toilet block in Brockenhurst into a Changing Places facility, thanks to funding from DLUHC. Aligned with a shared vision, CareSpaces was excited to take on this challenge, aiming to make a meaningful impact on residents and visitors.
The site chosen for this transformation was a toilet block from the 1980s located within a public car park, as seen in the picture below.
In collaboration with the council’s architects and specialists, we followed the plans and specifications outlined, which adhered to the British standard guidelines. Our team went a step further to refine and consult on changes to these plans, ensuring the facility met all necessary registration requirements while remaining functional for any end user.
To begin with, we relocated the entrance to the men’s toilets, creating a wider doorway to facilitate the new Changing Places room, an adjustment needed to improve the accessibility to the new facility.
Inside the existing structure, we assembled the Changing Places facility with attention to even the minutest details. A solid partition wall was built to house two new hand wash and dry units, essential for maintaining good hygiene.
The interior was designed to be welcoming and comfortable. We installed a timber joisted ceiling and the walls were adorned with vibrant laminate boards in two colours. We chose an Altro Resin flooring for its durability, making it ideal for diverse user needs.
We installed specific supports behind the walls to secure the equipment, including a toilet fan, handrails, an adjustable basin, a changing bench, and a ceiling-mounted hoist system, all precisely positioned per the plan.
The renovation extended beyond the Changing Places facility. We also updated the adjacent men’s toilet area, reorienting and re-plumbing the urinals, and updating the space with new tiling and decorations.
To improve access, we undertook external landscaping, constructing a pathway, and adding tarmac to the car park, keeping in character with the surrounding area.
Despite facing challenges like bad weather and water seepage, our CareSpaces team persevered, implementing strategies to keep the project on track. Over eight weeks, we successfully completed the planning, construction, and finishing touches.
