A decision will be made on a funding application for a new Changing Places facility for Camberley at the upcoming Executive meeting of the council.
Changing Places (CP) facilities go beyond the provision of standard accessible toilets, offering more space and additional equipment.
They can be used by people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities who often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use public toilets safely and comfortably. They are larger accessible toilets with equipment such as hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, peninsula toilets and space for carers.
This funding application to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Infrastructure fund aims to deliver a CP facility in Camberley town centre at a total estimated cost of £194,750.
This would be the first CP facility within Camberley town centre, as the current public toilet facilities offer a standard accessible toilet (or ‘disabled toilet’), do not provide changing benches or hoists, and are too small to accommodate more than one person.
Surrey Heath Borough Council’s Annual Plan 2024-25 included a target under ‘Promote Healthier & More Inclusive Communities’ to deliver a CP facility within the town centre. A feasibility study was undertaken including a consultation with local disability groups, and planning permission was obtained for a unit in an accessible location on the ground floor of Main Square Car Park.
At that time, tenders for the project exceeded the allocated budget so it had to be postponed. This new CIL fund application aims to deliver the CP project. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Infrastructure fund is funded through payments made by developers for development taking place in the borough.
If approved, members of the community with a Radar key will be able to use the CP facility, which will be located on the lower deck of the car park near the Rainbow Cafe entrance and disabled parking area.
The Executive is being recommended to approve that £195,000 be awarded from the Council’s CIL Infrastructure fund to enable the works to provide and install a Changing Places unit in the suggested location.
Cllr Kel Finan-Cooke, Surrey Heath’s Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development, said: “Providing a Changing Places toilet in the town centre will ensure there are suitable facilities for people with disabilities who may need extra equipment, more space, or assistance from their carers.
“This is not just about accessibility, it is about equity, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity to take part in community life with dignity.
“We want everyone to feel welcome in our borough, and this addition will help more people enjoy the day-to-day activities which many of us take for granted.”
Find out more about Changing Places facilities on the Changing Places website