CPT at Locomotion
4
4
Date of visit: September 2025
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
Good
I attended Locomotion for the Allied Mobility event in September 2025. As far as venues go it is definitely one of the more unique places I have worked. With plentiful parking, ramps that allow you to see inside the trains, a café and a Changing Places toilet, it has a bit of everything. This review is specific to the Changing Places toilet at this venue but I will provide some access information as I go.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The venue has automatic doors at the entrance, level access throughout and decent signage. There is a café on the right of the room, a reception desk with a lowered counter close to the entrance and a gift shop on the left. The café is well stocked with a variety of wooden seats and booths designed to look like train seats facing each other. These are elevated on a plinth, which is a shame. If they were lower a wheelchair user might be able to join on the end at least.
Accessible facilities: Single-level venue, Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Good
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
I drove to the venue as it is not the most central of places. The car park has an impressive 32 accessible parking spaces and roughly 300 standard parking spaces by my count. The nearest bus stop is 480 metres from the venue on Dale Road and is served by the 1 and 5 Arriva services. Shildon Railway Station is half a mile away. The station is accessible with ramps at the entrance, though it may not be the safest route when walking or wheeling.
Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point, Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
Good
The Changing Places toilet has all of the essentials. There is a ceiling track hoist, an adjustable changing bed, a shower and a height adjustable sink. The sink has a deep basin with a long lever style tap and silver rails on either side. The rails contrast against the white wall although the contrast could be stronger. The toilet has a blue seat with silver rails on either side and a clear right side transfer space. There is a concertina style privacy screen placed in front of the left side transfer, which also has a bin in the space, limiting access from the left. To the right when seated on the loo there is a red cord which hangs freely and a colostomy shelf that is being used to store toilet roll. This really should be kept clear. The toilet is large as one might expect and has grey wet room style flooring. The door requires a RADAR key and opens outwards.
Facilities: Changing Places toilet
Staff
Excellent
The staff were very friendly, and made sue I knew where everything was.
