New 'Changing Places' toilets open in Bromley parks

The facilities, unveiled at Crystal Palace Park and the Green Roof Café in High Elms Country Park, are part of a scheme to expand accessible toilets across Bromley.

Managed by Crystal Palace Park Trust and the Green Roof Café, they were officially opened by the Mayor of Bromley on January 22.

Following a successful council bid which secured more than £400,000 in grant funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Bromley now has six Changing Places facilities across the borough.

The toilets are accessible even for those with needs not catered for by regular disabled toilets. (Image: Bromley Council)

The Changing Places toilets support the needs of people with complex and multiple physical and learning disabilities.

These facilities, larger than standard toilets, include an adult-sized changing bench and ceiling track hoist - making them accessible for those with needs not catered for by regular disabled toilets.

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Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: "The new Changing Places toilets are a welcome addition to the historic Crystal Palace Park and High Elms Country Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve.

"These parks are much-loved by residents and visitors from further afield alike, and I hope that the Changing Place facilities help to ensure that those with complex needs and their families can enjoy these wonderful public spaces."

The facilities were officially opened by the Mayor on January 22 (Image: Bromley Council)

In partnership with Need2Change, a Bromley-based parent carer group focused on improving facilities for adults and children with complex disabilities, Bromley Council has significantly increased the availability of Changing Place facilities.

Katrina O’Leary from Need2Change said: "These facilities are really valued by those who cannot use a standard accessible toilet.

"They make such a difference to daily life – making outings possible, easier and much less stressful.

"Thank you, Bromley."

The Changing Places toilet in Crystal Palace Park can be found by the Thicket Road car park.

Katrina O’Leary from Need2Change said these toilets will make such a difference (Image: Bromley Council)

Philip Kolvin, Co-Chair of Crystal Palace Park Trust, said: "We are delighted to announce the installation of the Changing Places toilet at Thicket Road car park.

"We would like to thank everyone who worked on these projects, and all those who mounted and came to the live events which helped to pay for these important facilities."

The Changing Places toilet at High Elms Country Park can be found at the Green Roof Café.

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Kevin French from the Green Roof Café said: "It is great to see this new Changing Places toilet officially opened.

"We hope that the new facilities allow many more visitors to enjoy fun and stress-free days out at our café and High Elms Country Park."

Other Changing Places toilets have already opened atPrincess Royal University Hospital, The Glades Shopping Centre, and Bromley’s Vue Cinema earlier this year, increasing accessibility across various public spaces.

Two more facilities will open at Pavilion and Biggin Hill Leisure Centres in the coming months, in partnership with leisure provider MyTime Active.

For further information or to find a Changing Place, visit the Changing Places website.