The Lowry opens new Changing Places toilet

The Lowry, Salford, has installed a specialist Changing Places toilet for disabled people and their carers to use.

Changing Places toilet and changing facilities are designed to meet the needs of those who have profound and complex disabilities. Larger than a standard accessible toilet and open to the public, the facilities will make The Lowry and The Quays accessible to even more people.

The new Changing Places facility is now open at the Salford Quays arts centre and has been made possible thanks to a joint application with Salford City Council for grant funding provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The project involved the adaptation of an existing toilet with works carried out by RISE, a specialist contractor in disabled adaptations.

It is accessed by a RADAR key and features height­ adjustable, adult sized changing bench, ceiling track hoist system, space for up to two assistants, toilet with grab rails, privacy screen, and a height­ adjustable washbasin.

Cllr Robinson-Smith, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health, Salford City Council said: “It’s really wonderful to see another addition of Changing Places facilities in Salford – at The Lowry, a venue visited by many each year. It’s great to see it opening in a public gallery and theatre in the heart of Salford Quays making the area further accessible to all visitors.”

Zack Kerr, campaigner for Changing Places, said: “It’s really great that the Lowry now has a Changing Places Toilet. I’ve been a campaigner for Changing Places for about 8 years. I love coming to the theatre and I’ve been here many times with my family but trips out anywhere are always difficult when there aren’t any accessible toilet facilities which meet my needs. There aren’t many theatres which have Changing Places toilets and this will make such a huge difference to so many people! Well done The Lowry and thank you!”

Tony Smith, Commercial Director at The Lowry said: “We want to make visiting The Lowry as easy and comfortable as we can for all of our visitors and this new facility will enable more people the freedom to take part in and enjoy everything that we have to have to offer.  We are delighted that our joint bid with Salford City Council was successful and has resulted in the opening of this new Changing Places toilet.”

To find out what’s coming up at The Lowry including access performances visit thelowry.com, and for specific access queries contact The Lowry’s Access team on 0161 876 2183 or access@thelowry.com

Image: (from left to right) Cllr Robinson-Smith, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health, Salford City Council; Tony Smith, Commercial Director at The Lowry; Ceri Davies, Changing Places Support Officer; Zack Kerr, campaigner for Changing Places; Pat McMahon, Director RISE Adaptations.