A new Changing Places room has been installed at Grimm & Co’s new premises, marking the third of eight planned facilities in the borough, after Rotherham Council secured almost £500,000 in funding.
The latest 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.
Located in Grimm & Co’s new permanent town centre home which will reopen in the spring, the Changing Places facility provides an area which allows wheelchair access, access for carers, and a safe, calming environment to help anyone, regardless of their disability, to enjoy their visit to the popular children’s literacy emporium.
Deborah Bullivant, CEO of Grimm & Co said: ""It has been so important to us, throughout the whole transformation project, that accessibility is at the core of making the Emporium of Stories a safe, welcoming space for families, communities and visitors of all ages, across Yorkshire and beyond.
“We are so grateful to Rotherham Council for the funding that has enabled us to create this facility, and we are incredibly proud of how it looks and feels. We can't wait to welcome you all when we open!"
Grimm & Co’s enhanced and accessible offering located on Ship Hill will include a story themed café, a theatre space and three different Writer’s Pad spaces to welcome schools, families and story lovers from across the region and beyond and will open to the public in April 2024.
Rotherham Council Cabinet lead for social inclusion, Cllr David Sheppard said: “It’s rewarding to see another one of these invaluable facilities open. We have worked closely with the Changing Places Consortium and Grimm & Co to ensure that the new facility provides a safe, dignified area to support individuals with complex care needs.
“The space will greatly improve the visitor experience for people who currently find it difficult to enjoy a day out, whilst providing peace of mind to carers.”.
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.
Facilities have previously opened at Rotherham United’s New York Stadium and Magna Science and Adventure Centre in 2023 with 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
- Wentworth Woodhouse