A major project to refurbish public toilets in Tamworth Castle Grounds is now fully completed and the facility re-opened on Friday, August 23, just in time for the busy summer bank holiday weekend in the grounds.
The new toilet transformation includes the town’s first-ever Changing Places facility – an assisted accessible Closomat Palma Vita wash and dry toilet with a height-adjustable changing bench, hoist that moves across the room and its own coded door access.
In addition, the new facilities will have longer year-round opening hours, individual unisex cubicles with automatic WC with warm water washing and air drying functions; plus baby changing, disabled access toilets and an outside re-fill drinking water station.
The refurbishment has been carried out by Healthmatic, which specialises in the provision of smarter public conveniences for local authorities, ensuring that facilities are truly accessible for everyone.
Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, was one of the first to check out the new facility with his children. He said: “The new toilet facilities are a truly amazing transformation of the previously dated facilities we had in the Castle Grounds.
“The project is something we have wanted for some time and I am delighted to say they are now open every day and provide modern facilities that everyone can use.
“The Changing Places room has been fully fitted by Healthmatic and we are very proud to have this in Tamworth.
“My two children joined me to see the new toilets and were very impressed with the new automatic WC with the soap, warm water and drying functions! I’m sure other families will find the new facilities comfortable and very accessible, plus the addition of the outside drinking water re-fill station will be popular with anyone using the park.”
Cllr John Chesworth, Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “This project represents a significant investment into our public conveniences and has the overall aim of providing facilities that are more accessible to more people. The design of individual cubicles, which can be remotely activated, will enable us to keep the toilets open longer and at all times of the year.
“The provision of Tamworth’s first Changing Places facility is also really important for the older children and adults in our community with additional needs who need full changing conveniences. The lack of such a facility can actually prevent some disabled people and their carers from being able to go out and visit a certain place. Having a Changing Places facility in Tamworth will remove that particular barrier and will hopefully enable everyone to come and enjoy our wonderful park and town.”
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