Changing Places Case Study: Rotherham United

Written by Pat McMahon
March 1, 2023

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Rotherham United Football Club (RUFC), or the Miller’s, as they are affectionately known to their fans, is committed to enhancing accessibility for all at their home ground, the AESSEAL New York Stadium. Following consultation with the Rotherham United Disabled Supporters Association RUDSA) – and with funding support from Rotherham United’s Community Sports Trust as well as the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – a bespoke Changing Places toilet has recently been installed by RISE, to ensure inclusivity for all supporters.

Purpose Built Structure

The location of the new facility was critical. Located in the family-friendly West stand behind turnstile 5-8, the Changing Places was strategically positioned to maximise ease of access to the Goal Zone Centre and the Disabled Supporter’s Room, located on the ground floor close to the player’s entrance. To achieve this, the new facility had to be incorporated into the existing stadium structure.

After exploring several locations and options for their Changing Places, including a modular facility, it made most sense to build it close to the Disabled Supporter’s Room. This meant that a new blockwork structure needed building to house the facility.

The Miller’s new Changing Places toilet was formed with dense concrete blocks and finished with an EPDM roof. Sized at 3x4m internally, with an internal ceiling height of 2.4m, the facility contains a host of specialist equipment to maximise comfort and mobility for users, and is finished with anti-slip flooring, high-impact wall panelling, and a custom graphic feature wall of the stadium.

Download Changing Places Brochure

Football For All

RISE took full ownership of the project, removing the need to engage multiple contractors. From initial instruction to handover, the project took four-weeks in total to complete, with the Changing Places Consortium registering the facility soon after.

Head of Community Jamie Noble expressed his delight at the introduction of the new facility which he feels further enhances AESSEAL New York Stadium’s reputation as a place where everyone can enjoy their matchday experience:

“We would like to pass on our thanks to those who have donated to the room via Rotherham United Disabled Supporters Association, including RISE Adaptations who have overseen the design and build whilst using local people to complete the installation. It’s a privilege not only to open this facility, but also to know that it’s been built by local people for local people.”