Changing Places - Russell Park and The Higgins - AWARD

Bedford Borough Council requires the construction of Changing Places in two locations, Russell Park as a new stand-alone unit and at The Higgins Art Gallery and Museum as an adaptation of current space.

Unitary and district councils were invited by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Commuities in July 2021 to submit expressions of interest for funding to create new Changing Places Toilet facilities to improve access for severely disabled people and their carers. There are around 1,300 registered CPTs in England but demand is outstripping supply and the number of CPTs needs to increase. Following a funding decision by DLUHC, the Council was awarded the total grant funding requested intended to cover capital costs associated with the installation of the two CPT facilities.

The Changing Places facility is designed so that they are completely accessible and provide sufficient space and equipment for people who are not able to use the toilet independently. Changing Places Toilets must meet particular specifications and be registered with the Changing Places UK Consortium on completion, via Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) Changing Places Support Officers.