List view
1 | Project Summary
1 | Project Summary
2 | Existing Facilities
2 | Existing Facilities
3 | Problems & Precedents
3 | Problems & Precedents
4 | Capacity & User Groups
4 | Capacity & User Groups
5 | Space Planning
5 | Space Planning
6 | Services
6 | Services
7 | Wayfinding & Info
7 | Wayfinding & Info
Space Planning
Changing Places
Changing Places toilets are designed to support individuals with complex and multiple impairments who require assistance from one or two carers. These enhanced facilities must be provided in addition to standard accessible and ambulant toilets, not as a substitute for them.
While Changing Places facilities are typically found in major public buildings such as transport interchanges, airports, and large railway stations, the same principle applies to Category A service areas or managed motorway facilities with significant footfall and public responsibility.
To meet recognised accessibility standards, Changing Places toilets should provide a minimum internal floor area of 12 square metres (3000mm x 4000mm) and include an outward-opening door with a minimum clear width of 1000mm. Layout and specification should follow the guidance outlined in Figure 48 of BS8300-2:2018.
Additional guidance on layout, equipment, and compliance is available through the Changing Places Consortium, which also provides certification and support for implementation. The inclusion of a shower is optional and should be evaluated on a site-by-site basis, considering both user need and the risk of misuse.
To prevent inappropriate use of these facilities, access should be secure and controlled, ideally through station- or site-specific systems (see Section 2.5). Signage and wayfinding should follow guidance provided in Section 5.7 to ensure the facility is easy to locate and understand.
In retrofit scenarios where full compliance with the 12sqm minimum is not achievable due to building constraints, it may still be acceptable to provide an undersized Changing Places toilet, provided no other option exists. In such cases, early consultation with the Changing Places Consortium is strongly encouraged to ensure the facility is as effective as possible within the available space.
However, wherever feasible, facilities should aim to meet the full British Standard size requirement to achieve formal Changing Places certification and deliver the highest standard of care and dignity for users.
While Changing Places facilities are typically found in major public buildings such as transport interchanges, airports, and large railway stations, the same principle applies to Category A service areas or managed motorway facilities with significant footfall and public responsibility.
To meet recognised accessibility standards, Changing Places toilets should provide a minimum internal floor area of 12 square metres (3000mm x 4000mm) and include an outward-opening door with a minimum clear width of 1000mm. Layout and specification should follow the guidance outlined in Figure 48 of BS8300-2:2018.
Additional guidance on layout, equipment, and compliance is available through the Changing Places Consortium, which also provides certification and support for implementation. The inclusion of a shower is optional and should be evaluated on a site-by-site basis, considering both user need and the risk of misuse.
To prevent inappropriate use of these facilities, access should be secure and controlled, ideally through station- or site-specific systems (see Section 2.5). Signage and wayfinding should follow guidance provided in Section 5.7 to ensure the facility is easy to locate and understand.
In retrofit scenarios where full compliance with the 12sqm minimum is not achievable due to building constraints, it may still be acceptable to provide an undersized Changing Places toilet, provided no other option exists. In such cases, early consultation with the Changing Places Consortium is strongly encouraged to ensure the facility is as effective as possible within the available space.
However, wherever feasible, facilities should aim to meet the full British Standard size requirement to achieve formal Changing Places certification and deliver the highest standard of care and dignity for users.
40. BS8300-2:2018, 18.6 Changing Places toilets
41. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland: telephone 020 7696 6019, email ChangingPlaces@mencap.org.uk. For Scotland: telephone 01382 385 154, email PamisChangingPlaces@dundee.ac.uk. http://www.changing-places.org/
41. For England, Wales and Northern Ireland: telephone 020 7696 6019, email ChangingPlaces@mencap.org.uk. For Scotland: telephone 01382 385 154, email PamisChangingPlaces@dundee.ac.uk. http://www.changing-places.org/