Changing Places Case Study: Lappa Valley

Steaming Ahead

Lappa Valley is a much-loved family attraction in Cornwall that takes families on steam train rides into a hidden world of play and adventures. Visitors can enjoy a jam-packed day out riding historic railway lines, a boating lake, and the attraction’s brand new Engine Shed facility with soft play areas.

The Engine Shed is also home to a fully equipped Changing Places facility — something the team at Lappa are incredibly proud of.

The Project: Changing Places Toilet Adaption

After nearly 50 years of operation, Lappa Valley embarked on an exciting new project to improve its facilities, including visitor accessibility. The Engine Shed is a multi-million-pound development consisting of a multipurpose building that includes a soft play area, café, private hire party rooms, and upgraded toilets.

Before the project started, Managing Director, Keith Southell, knew a Changing Places toilet was a must inside the new facility:

“We wanted as many people as possible to enjoy the attractions here at Lappa Valley,” he says. “A Changing Places toilet is an absolute must at any tourist attraction looking to modernise and extend their invitation to all members of the community, no matter their ability.”

RISE had the privilege of installing a Changing Places facility inside the new Engine Shed building, this included all internal finishing of the 12m2 space, electrics, plumbing, and of course fitting Changing Places equipment. This included an adult-sized changing bench, peninsular toilet, hoist, and a non-slip floor to ensure the toilet is safe.

The Changing Places adaption RISE carried out was inside a building that was having multiple works completed so careful liaison with other trades was an important aspect of the project. The team at Lappa were happy with the service and quality workmanship delivered by RISE, including a quickly resolved issue we had with one of the key pieces of equipment.

Once the project was completed, RISE also arranged safety testing for the equipment inside the toilet and arranged training for staff at Lappa Valley that will include information on the needs of the people that will likely need access to the new bathroom.