Hayling Island's seafront has been made even more accessible following the addition of a Changing Places facility in conjunction with the accessible boardwalk.
A new Changing Places toilet - a larger, accessible facility with specialist access equipment - has been installed on the seafront close to Chichester Avenue following a successful grant application by Havant Borough Council.
After careful consideration, it was decided that the new facility would be installed next to the existing male and female toilets, close to the boardwalk and accessible parking area.
It's the second facility of its kind provided by the council, with the other Changing Places facility making Havant’s town centre more accessible for our residents and visitors, in the Meridian Shopping Centre, Havant.
Officially opened by the Mayor of Havant, Councillor Peter Wade, the new facility has been funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund (CIL).
Both facilities have been added to the national Changing Places Toilets register and website, helping people living or visiting the area to find their nearest accessible facility.
The project was installed on time and to budget by Adson Construction, with the support of Ridge and Partners in managing the build.
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet lead for Regeneration and Communities, said “Having a Changing Places facility on the seafront will be invaluable not just to our residents, but to those who visit Hayling Island.
“It is so important that everyone can enjoy a day out without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities.
“These new facilities will give people with complex needs and their carers the confidence and freedom to make more journeys and I'd like to thank MHCLG for making this project possible and our council officers for implementing the new facility.”
Local resident and mother of a child who is a full-time wheelchair user, Alice Snell, added “Changing Places facilities are hugely valuable to those who need additional space or a little extra assistance when needing the loo if they are out and about.
"Indeed, without such facilities available I’m very aware of many individuals who simply don’t go out or not for very long because they can’t guarantee being able to access a suitable facility when away from their home.
"This is so sad for many, and so when we heard that one was to be built at the beach we were absolutely delighted. We firmly believe it’s a brilliant addition and provides an even more thoughtful welcome to visitors to Hayling.”
Changing Places facilities are larger accessible toilets for severely disabled people, with equipment such as hoists, curtains, adult-sized changing benches and space for carers.
Changing Places Toilets support people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as those with other physical disabilities who require extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilet safely and comfortably. The provision of these toilets enables people with disabilities to enjoy a day out along the seafront, go shopping and do a number of other activities that most people take for granted.