Changing Places at the NEC with Closomat

The UK’s top events destination is responding to changing market forces by enhancing its accessibility provision with Closomat.

The NEC in Birmingham has added a third Changing Places assisted accessible toilet to the 611-acre site’s visitor facilities, with this latest situated outside Hall 2.

Supplied and installed by Closomat, the WC compliments those already in place at the venue, which were also undertaken by the same company. 

All the Changing Places within the NEC meet the highest requirements outlined by British Standards (BS8300:2018): in addition to the basic space, and fixtures of full room cover ceiling track hoist, height adjustable adult size changing bench, and privacy screen, they feature height adjustable wash basins in place of fixed, and Closomat Palma Vita wash & dry toilets in place of conventional WCs.

Julie Kimpton, Senior Event Manager at the NEC, commented: “The NEC welcomes 2.4million visitors a year, to 500 events. On the basis that 20% of the UK population has a disability, it is logical that we ensure we have enough accessible toilets.

“We already have a dozen or so conventional wheelchair-accessible toilets; as part of a rolling toilet refurbishment programme, we took the opportunity to further enhance our provision for those visitors who need extra support, by designing in additional Changing Places.

“Our past experience with Closomat led to advising CBRE, our facilities services provider, to use Closomat again for this latest Changing Places.

Julie, who chairs the venue’s Accessibility Operations Committee, added: “We already had Changing Places facilities outside Hall 20 (the location of Naidex, Europe’s most established event dedicated to the independent living and healthcare industries), and in the neighbouring Resorts World Arena, so it was logical to provide one in the Piazza, so no-one has far to go to find suitable facilities.”

Kelvin Grimes, Closomat away from home project manager, commented: “A Changing Places is designed to enable anyone who needs help, be it from a carer or equipment, to deal with their intimate care and to access appropriate facilities when away from home.

“BS8300:2018 notes that further provision of a wash and dry toilet in place of a conventional WC enhances the user’s dignity & independence. Not every Changing Places has one, so it is great to see the NEC being exemplar in its provision.”

Contact:

Closomat
Building 1, Brooklands Place,
Brooklands Road,
Sale,
Cheshire,
M33 6SD,
United Kingdom

Visit Closomat's website

Visit Supplier's page