Changing Places Case Study: WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Written by Pat McMahon
February 1, 2023

Gold Standard

Slimbridge Wetland Centre is a community of dedicated staff, volunteers, and members, brought together by a love of wetlands and a drive to protect them. In addition to their commitments to conservation, accessibility is of paramount importance, with comprehensive guides, mobility scooters and sensory provision all contributing to the attraction’s Gold award for Accessibility & Inclusion at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards.

It was with great pleasure that RISE were chosen to further enhance accessibility onsite with a new Changing Places toilet – a project funded by Gloucestershire County Council’s successful bid from the government’s Levelling Up Housing and Communities initiative.

Built In Situ

Restricted site access meant that a complete modular facility couldn’t be lifted into position onsite, leading us to take a more traditional approach of building everything in situ. Timescales were tight to cause minimal disruption to the wildlife, but the project was delivered full turnkey on-time and on-budget.

We completed all enabling works, groundworks, and the pod itself with the agreed 5-week build programme. External materials were carefully selected to complement existing surrounding buildings and adhere to planning stipulations.

Download Changing Places Brochure

We kitted out the fully-registered facility, with all required specialist equipment including ceiling track hoist system, height adjustable basin and changing bench. Anti-slip safety flooring is installed throughout with high-impact, hygienic wall panelling and graphic feature wall.

WWT Slimbridge is committed to marrying sustainability, conservation, and accessibility. RISE were proud to be part of facilitating the centre’s vision of ensuring wildlife and conservation education are accessible to all.

Gary Haseley- Nejrup, Slimbridge General Manager says:

“We are delighted to have received funding for this essential Changing Places Toilet for our centre. We want everyone to feel welcome here and to make their visit as enjoyable as possible. We have committed to making our centre an accessible day out and we’re so pleased we can offer this facility to our visitors.”

Cllr Chris Brine, Chair of Community Services and Licensing Committee at Stroud District Council said:

Improving and championing equality, diversity and inclusion is a key objective of our Council Plan, so I was really pleased we were able to support WWT Slimbridge to install the new Changing Places toilet. It will enable many more visitors to enjoy a day out in the district.

Scope of Works

Working as principal contractor, we provided the following scope of works within a five week build programme:

Traditional design and build a new insulated timber-frame Changing Places toilet;
All groundworks, services and enabling works; and
Testing and commissioning of all specialist equipment.

For further information about Changing Places or to schedule a free consultation, please get in touch.