The Square Necessities - Changing Places toilet
4
4
Date of visit: August 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
Good
This review is specific to the Changing Places Toilet at this location, rather than the shopping centre, which I'll review separately.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
There's an incline to the block where the toilets are located, but the ground is level and there's plenty of space to manoeuvre a mobility device. The signage is clear.
Parking & Transport
Good
There is parking in the shopping centre, which has 1200 standard spaces and 54 accessible spaces on Parking Level 1. There are ten 7kw Type-2 EV charging bays on this same level - cables are not provided and the spaces have crosshatching at the back, but not on either side of the vehicle. Though parking is plentiful, it can be costly as there are no Blue Badge exemptions.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The Changing Places Toilet has a ceiling hoist and a large change bed, with a sanitary bin at the foot of the bed. It features a large, low sink with a lever-operated mixer-style tap, with grab rails on either side. The toilet has grab rails on either side, and the the flush is on the left when seated. Overall, the Changing Places toilet is a bit no-frills. It has the basics, but I've been to others with more features, such as rails on the beds, red cords at the beds, disinfectant sprays etc. This one has a unique inclusion I haven't seen, a QR code on the wall to request the toilet to be cleaned. The red cord by the toilet seat hung to the floor. It's definitely functional, but not the most impressive.
Staff
Good
I wasn't able to access the toilet initially, as it was locked. I spoke to staff at the nearby bus station counter, who helped me find the shopping centre staff to unlock the toilet. When they returned, the staff member unlocked the toilet and then walked off before I had a chance to speak with her. I had hoped to get some details for the centre manager to provide feedback, but I had no opportunity to ask. In all, it took me 20 minutes to gain access.
