Changing Places Case Study: The Lowry Theatre

Written by Pat McMahon
March 2, 2023

Leading Lady of Theatres

Situated at the core of the Cultural Quarter, on Pier 8, the Quays, Salford, the Lowry is a charity which promotes visual and performance arts to enrich people’s lives. The Lowry’s team are committed to putting communities at the heart of what they do. This includes a variety of productions and exhibitions in the theatres and galleries, with the purpose of nurturing talent, especially in young people, promoting artists and under-represented groups, and aiding social mobility.

So often at the forefront of challenging perceptions and aiding inclusivity, arts and culture venues are another area of interest for RISE. Therefore, it was with great pleasure that we were able to install a new Changing Places toilet at The Lowry to enable greater participation for profoundly disabled visitors.

Two-Week Turnaround

The project involved the adaptation of an existing toilet into a registered CPT, with works starting in early January 2023 and completing within two-weeks. Situated within the parameters of the existing building, the scope of works including everything from initial design and consultancy, the remodelling and finishing of the internal structure, and the installation of all specialist equipment in adherence to BS 8300 and the Changing Places Practical Guide.

Premium mobility equipment was installed throughout the facility – including a Guldmann ceiling track hoist system and Pressalit height adjustable basin and changing bench – and the client selected all internal finishes, including a stunning graphic feature wall featuring posters of famous productions.

Download Changing Places Brochure

Arts for All

The Lowry team hold a silver award from Attitude is Everything for their efforts enabling access to the venue, and thanks to recent government funding via Salford City Council, their newly registered Changing Places is further enhancing accessibility at the theatre.

It’s a key step in further enriching the visitor experience at the theatre and we’re delighted to have played our part by transforming an unloved space into a facility that supports our users with accessibility needs and helps to unlock the arts for all.

Cllr Robinson-Smith, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health, Salford City Council said:

“It’s really wonderful to see another addition of Changing Places facilities in Salford – at The Lowry, a venue visited by many each year. It’s great to see it opening in a public gallery and theatre in the heart of Salford Quays making the area further accessible to all visitors.”

Zack Kerr, campaigner for Changing Places, said:

“It’s really great that the Lowry now has a Changing Places Toilet. I’ve been a campaigner for Changing Places for about 8 years. I love coming to the theatre and I’ve been here many times with my family but trips out anywhere are always difficult when there aren’t any accessible toilet facilities which meet my needs. There aren’t many theatres which have Changing Places toilets and this will make such a huge difference to so many people! Well done The Lowry and thank you!”

Tony Smith, Commercial Director at The Lowry said:

“We want to make visiting The Lowry as easy and comfortable as we can for all of our visitors and this new facility will enable more people the freedom to take part in and enjoy everything that we have to have to offer. We are delighted that our joint bid with Salford City Council was successful and has resulted in the opening of this new Changing Places toilet.”