Changing Places Toilet Adaptation Case Study: Tod College

Written by Kit Garrett
August 3, 2023

Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub (TLCHub) have been running Tod College since 2021, when it was transferred from the local council to be run as a community asset. Home to the country’s first Climate Challenge College and the Todmorden Makery, the College now once again sits at the centre of town life.

Now, thanks to funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and with support from the Changing Places Consortium, RISE has completed a Changing Places toilet adaptation that opens this amazing facility to even more people in the local community.

All In A Day’s Work

RISE was contracted to complete the conversion of an existing toilet area and abutting storage space into a fully compliant Changing Places toilet. After surveying and technical drawings were complete, and the client was happy with the specs, we rolled our sleeves up and got to work.

The project involved opening the two existing spaces into one large room that meets the Changing Places BS8300 standard. We then removed an existing door and fitted a new, compliant one (with ample space for a powered wheelchair to enter). Working closely with the client, we fitted a beautiful feature wall that really reflects the College’s picturesque setting and surrounding landscape. Following the installation of all the required equipment (a hoist, adult changing bed, height-adjustable sink, privacy screen, clothing hooks and an accessible toilet), we completed our final inspection to ensure the build was completed to our extremely high standards.

From start to finish, our crack team spent just 10 days on-site before handing the project back to the client.

What Would You Build?

A True Community Asset

Since passing into community ownership, the vision of TLCHub for the College has been that it be “fully used for the purposes of environmental sustainability education, community development and business with social purpose.” Some of its current tenants include charities, independent TV stations, the local Children’s Centre, a food bank, and many more besides. These services represent the lifeblood of the local community and with the installation of a new Changing Places toilet tenants, commercial visitors, and members of the public alike can now make use of all of the services on offer to the full.

“Working with RISE was fantastic,” said Julie Thorpe, CEO and Centre Manager at TLCHub. “Right from the word go we had really good support, great communications and, I have to say, when it came to the actual installation RISE were absolutely fantastic. We were really impressed. I’ve been recommending RISE to other projects in Calderdale.”

Versatility Is Our Strength

Whether it’s an adaptation or a modular pod installation, RISE is the only contractor in the UK with a proven track record of being able to deliver both – on time, on spec and on budget. Ask any of our dozens of other happy clients – we pride ourselves on the quality of our finished product above all else, and our High 5 Promise means that at least 5% of the profit we make from your project will go directly back into social good causes.

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