A Changing Places facility designed for people with learning or physical disabilities has been installed in the gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse, following funding secured by Rotherham Council.
The specialised toilet provides a purpose-built environment, designed specifically to help disabled visitors and individuals with complex care needs, including people living with learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and other conditions.
It is sited close to the mansion’s newly-restored Camellia House, a Grade II* Listed building which opens to the public in the spring as a global tea house.
This is the fourth facility to be installed in the borough after the Council was awarded almost £500,000 in government funding. A further four facilities are planned at other venues later this year.
The newly-installed facilities are part of a huge regeneration project to transform and secure Wentworth Woodhouse for life in the 21st Centaury with plans for the site to provide a world-class visitor destination, event spaces, overnight accommodation, restaurants and commercial office spaces once renovated.
Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “Here at Wentworth we believe that everyone should be able to experience the riches of this fabulous venue, regardless of any access requirements. As you may imagine, this is a tall order for an old country house, but we’re working hard to create an inclusive and accessible site for all, making improvements throughout our regeneration plan.”
Established in 2005, the Changing Places campaign aims to see Changing Places toilets installed in all large public spaces so that people can access their community and use a toilet facility hygienically and with dignity.
The Council successfully applied for £490,000 from the Government’s Changing Places Fund, which is one of the largest amounts awarded to any council.
Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard, said: “Changing Places facilities enable anyone, regardless of their disability, to go to the shops, enjoy community life, socialise and travel - all the things that most of us take for granted every day. It is great to see another one of these invaluable facilities open in the borough.
“Wentworth Woodhouse is a local gem and this space will further improve the visitor experience for people who currently would otherwise find it difficult to enjoy a day out at a local attraction.”
Changing Places facilities have previously been installed at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium, Magna Science and Adventure Centre and Grimm & Co. Additional Changing Places spaces in Rotherham are also planned for:
- Clifton Park Museum
- Gullivers Valley Theme Park and Resort
- Rother Valley Country Park
- Thrybergh Country Park
PICTURED: Rotherham Council's Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard and Sarah McLeod, CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.