Wallingford toilets now accessible for all

A toilet block has been given a major overhaul incorporating a new Changing Places accessible facility as well as water and energy saving features.

The new Cattlemarket Car Park toilets in Wallingford have replaced the old 1960s block that was in a poor condition and in need of refurbishment.

The work was funded by the Government, with South Oxfordshire District Council working with charity Muscular Dystrophy UK to build a Changing Places toilet.

The Changing Places toilet at Cattlemarket Car Park boasts a range of disabled-access facilities, including:

a hoist
adult sized, adjustable changing bench with paper towel dispenser to allow for clean and dignified changing conditions
adjustable sink and accessible hand dryer
disabled access toilet with privacy screen
Bins suitable for the disposal of personal hygiene protection

The space allows room for an individual in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, as well as multiple care assistants.

The new building also features solar panels on the roof to create electricity and a rainwater harvesting system has been installed to flush the toilets. This will save water as well as reducing the risk of overwhelming the drains during times of heavy rain.

Exterior shot of old toilet block next to car park — smart

Interior shot of changing places toilet with hoist and rails — smart

Councillor Pieter-Paul Barker, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: “Nobody should be denied access to facilities due to disability so it’s great we’ve been able to build this new, much-needed block with a Changing Places toilet to help Wallingford be accessible to all.

“We are also pleased to be able to include water saving measures and solar panels which will reduce our energy bills and our carbon emissions.”

As well as the Changing Places facility, there is a standard disabled accessible toilet and two unisex toilets – one with baby changing facilities.

There is also a small car park attendant office which replaces the dilapidated temporary portacabin that was housed in the car park. This has also freed up several much-needed parking spaces.

The car park has been re-lined, with an additional disabled parking space to the front of the toilet block, increasing the number of disabled parking spaces at the site.

This toilet forms part of a wider roll out of new Changing Places facilities, including one currently under construction at the Riverside Park and Pools site in Crowmarsh Gifford, and one planned for Market House in Thame, which it is hoped will be completed by Spring of 2025.