Changing Places Case Study: Meres Leisure Centre

Written by Pat McMahon
March 15, 2023

Fantastic Four

Funds from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Changing Places programme continue to be put to good use with our latest successful installation at Meres Leisure Centre in Grantham.

The project is the first of four Changing Places planned by South Kesteven District Council, which will see residents benefitting from new facilities in Grantham, Stamford and Bourne.

Complex Adaptation

Working as principal contractor for LeisureSK Ltd and South Kesteven District Council, RISE transformed an existing space into a new high specification Changing Places toilet. The project ran for three-weeks in total, and involved the adaptation of three existing rooms (first aid room, toilet, and cupboard), combining them into a new 15m2 space.

Structural alterations were required, including the demolition and removal of heavy duty 140mm rendered block walls, plus the blocking-up of existing doorways.

Once the new room had been prepared and cleared, our team completed all installation works, including all plumbing and electrics, the finishing of walls, floors and ceiling, and the commissioning of all specialist healthcare equipment.

Download Changing Places Brochure

Breaking Down Barriers

The newly registered Changing Places is built in accordance with BS 8300 and the Changing Places Practical Guide. The facility features a host of specialist equipment, including Guldmann ceiling track hoist system, and Pressalit height adjustable changing bench and basin.

The project aligns with one of LeisureSK’s strategic goals to identify and breakdown barriers to accessing the leisure facilities in South Kesteven, and the new facility will play a key part in enhancing provision for profoundly disabled visitors.