Work starts on new 'Changing Places' toilet facilities at Stanwick Lakes

Stanwick Lakes will soon have a new ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility to help enhance accessibility for visitors.

Led by North Northamptonshire Council and funded by £330,000 of the Government’s Levelling Up fund along with further investment from the council’s capital programme, the new toilet facilities will help people who are limited in their mobility, by making sure they have the necessary equipment to meet their needs when they are out and about.

The Changing Places facilities at Stanwick Lakes are specially designed restrooms, equipped with accessible features.

These include a powered height-adjustable changing table, raising and lowering sink, movable ceiling hoist, grab rails, non-slip flooring, privacy screens, large clear space to accommodate wheelchair users and their carers, and an alarm.

Stanwick Lakes welcomes 250,000 visitors each year to enjoy the wetland habitat, which is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) as well as a heritage site of national significance.

There is also an expansive range of natural outdoor play equipment and an outdoor theatre.

Current facilities at the site will remain open during the Changing Places construction period, with bosses saying there will be minimal disruption for visitors while the work is taking place.

This initiative signifies a significant commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment, and it aligns with the charity’s ongoing mission to make nature and heritage stories accessible to everyone.

Kate Chadwick, executive director of Stanwick Lakes, said: "We are delighted to introduce these Changing Places facilities to Stanwick Lakes.

"This investment allows us to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, regardless of their mobility challenges, so they can experience our nature reserve and the rich history offered by our heritage projects.

"We believe that this addition will not only make a positive difference in the lives of our visitors but also inspire a sense of unity and inclusion within our

community of visitors.

"We are committed to ensuring that Stanwick Lakes remains an accessible and welcoming destination for everyone, where they can connect with nature and enjoy our diverse range of activities."

In addition to the Changing Places facilities, the park has recently unveiled plans to build a new accessible garden, with raised beds and chair-friendly garden work stations.

This will sit adjacent to the existing Wellbeing Orchard, which offers space for relaxation and contemplation.

Stanwick Lakes also collaborates closely with local community groups such as Tomorrow’s Trust, Headway and the Younger People with Dementia team, to further enhance accessibility and provide support to visitors with specific needs.

The new Changing Places facilities will be located opposite the current outdoor facilities.

The contractor, RISE, was due to be on site from October 16 to carry out ground works for the Changing Places Modular unit to be installed.

The initial ground works were due to be completed in a week and work will resume in November to deliver and install the modular unit.

As part of the work, a traditional stone wall has been skillfully removed by Community Outreach.

This will be re-constructed traditionally once works are complete, although not necessarily in the same location.

This project is set to be completed by late November.