The facility includes a changing bench and sink, moveable hoist, changing screen, shower, accessible toilet and space for carers

The new ‘Changing Places’ toilet at Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace has opened a state-of-the-art restroom facility for visitors with acute disabilities.

The ‘Changing Places’ facility is a fully accessible space that includes a height adjustable changing bench and sink, moveable hoist, changing screen, shower, accessible toilet and space for carers.

It will ensure visitors with acute requirements have the facilities they need to attend the palace’s world-famous events, including live music, sport, festivals, theatre and comedy, as well as its award-winning park, ice rink and creative learning activities.

The project has been funded by Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, with support from Haringey Council, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Span Trust and Chapman Charitable Trust. The facility is registered with Muscular Dystrophy UK. It builds on a range of accessible improvements made by the Ally Pally team over the last five years.

A consortium of leading charitable organisations including Muscular Dystrophy UK, Age Concern and the Disability Alliance have been actively campaigning for widespread access to Changing Places since 2006.

Jack Brooks, head of visitor services at Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust, said: “We are dedicated to improving the park and palace so that they are accessible and provide a positive visitor experience for everybody. We have made huge strides in recent times through a range of upgrades, working with our visitors with accessible requirements to ensure we provide the services they require.

“The Changing Places facility will have a transformational impact, enabling us to host audiences that previously may not have considered visiting. We look forward to welcoming people here for the wide variety of events, activities, leisure and learning opportunities that we provide.”

The Changing Places facility was devised and installed by expert disability technology company Innova Care Concepts.

Innova Care Concepts managing director Tom Hulbert: “Our primary mission is to utilise the technology we have in order to make the UK a more equitable society with access for everyone. We are thrilled to be installing these new facilities at Alexandra Palace to make accessibility easier for all of their visitors.”

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.