an arena with a large crowd

Changing Places For Arenas

People with disabilities need more Changing Places toilets inside major entertainment venues such as arenas and stadiums. Installing more facilities would enable a wider range of people to access live music, sporting events and more.

Introduction

Changing Places toilets are vital to adults and children that have profound and multiple disabilities. Containing an adult-sized changing bench, hoist, and additional space to manoeuvre, Changing Places toilets are used by people that are not able to self-transfer to a peninsular toilet as others might be able to do inside a standard disabled access toilet.

It’s estimated that there are over a quarter of a million people in the UK that would benefit from better access to Changing Places toilets. Better facilities mean people can spend longer periods away from their home, safe in the knowledge that they will have access to a safe, hygienic place to go to the bathroom or change continence wear.

Changing Places are needed across a wide variety of venues and spaces but in this article, we’re focussing on arenas and stadiums. There are just over thirty arenas and stadiums currently registered on the Changing Places map, this includes a mixture of sporting stadiums and indoor arenas. This number is a huge improvement on previous figures but there are hundreds of large arenas and stadiums across the United Kingdom so there is still more work to do.

Why More Arenas Need Changing Places Toilets

 

The government consulted with people with disabilities, their family members, and assistants to find out where more Changing Places are needed. All participants indicated that they would like to see more Changing Places toilets inside entertainment venues – this includes arenas, stadiums, and theatres.

The strongest reason to install a Changing Places toilet inside an arena or stadium is simply that it’s what people want. People with disabilities have indicated that they would like to be able to visit these venues more easily.

Most large entertainment values already have accessibility policies to enable a wider range of people to visit them – for example, all arenas now have areas for wheelchair users to safely access and view live entertainment. These additions are fantastic and have enabled people with disabilities to experience live music, major sporting events and much more. Adding Changing Places to these venues makes them even more accessible and opens them up to more customers.

There are good business reasons to install Changing Places toilets in arenas too…making a venue more accessible attracts more customers and harnesses the power of the ‘Purple Pound. The Purple Pound is the name given to the potential profit businesses could be missing because customers with disabilities have decided to visit other, more accessible locations.

In summary:

  1. People with disabilities have indicated they want more CP toilets in entertainment venues
  2. Installing a facility is just the right thing to do and makes your business more attractive
  3. You could potentially increase visitor numbers and revenue with enhanced accessibility

In addition, you could potentially be required by law to install a Changing Places, which brings us on to the next question business leaders often wonder.

Learn More About Our Changing Places Adaptations.

Is it Mandatory To Install Changing Places Toilets In Arenas?

 

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, some arenas will now be obligated to install at least one Changing Places toilet by law. Changes made to Building Regulations approved document M in 2020 state that certain types of venues and attractions which are newly built or undergoing significant refurbishment must include a toilet as part of their plans. Here is the part that applies to arenas, stadiums, and even theatres.

At least one changing places toilet is provided in the following types of building:

  • Assembly, recreation and entertainment buildings (see note) with a capacity for 350 or more people; or a collection of smaller buildings associated with a site used for assembly, recreation or entertainment, such as zoos, theme parks and venues for sport and exhibitions, with a capacity of 2000 people or more

The note goes on to clarify what types of buildings are classed as places of assembly and includes cinemas, concert halls, and theatres. Stadiums come under the section that mandates ‘sport and leisure buildings with a gross floor area of more than 5000 SM’.

Of course, the new regulations can’t be applied in retrospect but it’s an important change to note for new building projects or any venues undergoing refurbishment.

You can find an overview of legalities here. 

RISE

At RISE we install Changing Places toilets across a wide range of sectors and in different types of buildings, including arenas, sports stadiums, and other leisure attractions.

We can install our innovative modular Changing Places pods or adapt an existing space. Having access to both options provides our customers with more choice when it comes to finding a CP solution that will work for both visitors and their business.

Whilst you’re here, why not book an online Changing Places consultation…?
Rutland Water is now open to more disabled people and their families, after two Changing Places pods were installed by RISE
New Changing Places in Bromley! RISE install 2 new Changing Places as part of a scheme designed to open local parks to disabled people.

Call 07729 224 738 or email hello@riseadapt.co.uk
We’re open Monday to Friday, 08:00-18:00.

To learn more about Changing Places, why not download our brochure or attend one of our monthly online seminars.

Call: 07729 224 738
email: hello@riseadapt.co.uk
08:00-18:00, Mon-Fri

To learn more about Changing Places, why not download our brochure or attend one of our monthly online seminars.

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