Hampden Park Stadium

dystrophydad

15 Nov 2024

Changing Places Toilet

2.5

2.5

Date of visit: November 2024

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Average

This review relates solely to the Changing Places toilet at this location, although it does reference accessibility within the stadium. I attended an event hosted at Hampden on a Tuesday, rather than a concert or football game.

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

There is lift and step-free access throughout the stadium, but in the event spaces and inner building, there are loads of heavy doors, which is why you’ll generally be escorted through the venue. I saw an induction loop at one of the reception desks, but I didn’t see any other alternative formats. If these exist, they aren’t well signposted. Signage inside the building is pretty poor, which caused a bit of confusion when I was leaving. Heavy beige doors that all look alike do not help navigation – it felt like being on a game show without a charismatic host.

Parking & Transport

Average

From the information I could find, there are 35 accessible parking spaces on-site, though it’s suggested you contact the stadium directly and early to secure a space. I arrived at the stadium via Mount Florida Railway Station, which has a lift, but it’s a bit of a push in a manual wheelchair. The station is 322 metres from the stadium. On match days, the area will be especially busy, so being dropped off or taking a taxi may be a better option.

Accessible Toilets

Average

The Changing Places toilet is located high up on the North Stand, which was a fair trek from the event space on the other side of the stadium. This meant weaving through the building, being led through some heavy doors, and wandering around the main stadium area exposed to the cold. There are lifts throughout the stadium, but I can't imagine it would be easy to get from one end to the other on match days. The toilet has a sliding door and does not require a RADAR key to access. The space is functional, with enough room for additional people if needed. The toilet pan is on the rear wall and has grab rails on both sides. The white porcelain toilet contrasts with the blue wall. There is space for a right-side transfer, and the space is clear. There’s a low, small sink with grab rails on both sides and a lever-style tap. The toilet features a wall-mounted adjustable change bed and a ceiling track hoist. It's well-kitted out for a small space, but it definitely feels a bit budget. The red cord hung to the floor, although it was behind a narrow bin. There’s a second accessible toilet next door to this one, but there’s a low-height sink in the left-side transfer. There are grab rails on either side of the toilet and the sink, so it will still be of use to ambulant disabled people. The red cord was wrapped around a grab rail—I was quick to untie it. My score considers both toilets. I feel the Changing Places toilet is mostly fit for purpose, but the static sink in the accessible toilet next to it feels silly. If it's not an accessible toilet, I'd accept this, but it seems like it’s a retrofitted cleaner’s closet.

Staff

Good

The staff were great, I can say that much. Although it was a trek to the toilet, they were more than helpful, holding doors open as they escorted me to the Changing Places toilet. They also waited to escort me back.