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Toilet facilities claimed to be the busiest in London are now open again, but this time to everyone, following a complete transformation.
Network Rail has completed a major refurbishment of the toilets at London Victoria station, utilising the expertise of leading accessible toilet company Closomat to ensure the new facilities are truly accessible.
As a result, the terminus now has a Changing Places 12m2 assisted accessible toilet, including peninsular WC, height adjustable wash basin, height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, and full room cover ceiling track hoist. The Changing Places is alongside the station’s other accessible toilets, at street level on the ‘Sussex’ side of the terminal.
It is the latest step in addressing the need to improve rail accessibility, highlighted in a report which indicated only a third of stations have even a standard wheelchair-accessible toilet; even fewer have the more inclusive Changing Places.
Ian Hanson, Network Rail’s stations director (south east route) said, “When drawing up plans to redesign the toilets at London Victoria, one of our key objectives was to improve the facilities available for passengers with reduced mobility. As such, the inclusion of a Changing Places facility was an easy decision given that it is so much more than just an accessible toilet. By including this facility we hope an even wider range of passengers are able to travel through London Victoria without anxiety about where or how they might use the toilet. This aligns with Network Rail’s ambition to make all of our managed stations as inclusive as possible.”
The toilet refurbishment also includes redesigned male & female toilets to better reflect modern station usage and make better use of space. All remain free to use.
Under British Standards (BS8300:2018), it is best practice to provide a Changing Places toilet in addition to conventional accessible facilities in buildings where the public spend time. The Government is also reviewing making them an obligatory requirement in new buildings or major refurbishments. Closomat has become the leader in the design, supply, installation and subsequent maintenance of Changing Places; its website www.closomat.co.uk is now the go to’ location for support information for all involved in the specification and build process, with NBS specifications, CAD blocks, white papers and guidance notes all available for free download.
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