Queensgate Shopping Centre is proud to announce the completion and opening of its brand-new Changing Places toilet facility within its Shopmobility services, located on Level 11.

After starting construction in February, the state-of-the-art public facilities, suitable for people with profound and multiple disabilities, are now ready for use.

Jointly funded by Queensgate Shopping Centre and Peterborough City Council through a grant from DLUHC (The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities), the £130,000 facility is a direct response to customer feedback and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the needs for specialist equipment.

Changing Places toilets are designed to be larger than standard accessible WCs and are equipped with essential features such as a hoist, an adult-sized changing bench, a shower, and an adjustable sink. Across the UK, there are over 2,300 Changing Places toilets, with approximately 100 new facilities registered each year.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring this much-needed Changing Places facility to Queensgate,” said a spokesperson for Queensgate Shopping Centre. “Through our research and conversations with various organisations about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in public spaces, we recognised the critical importance of these facilities.”

Karen Hoe Changing Places Manager added: ”We are delighted to see this new Changing Places Toilet installed at Queensgate, we know how much of a difference this will make and provide the opportunity for people to visit being able to now access a suitable toilet.”

Councillor Dennis Jones, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I am extremely pleased that this vital facility is now open as it will help many people visiting the Queensgate

Centre and our city centre. We are fully committed to working with our partners to support and enhance facilities for vulnerable residents, helping to make our city centre an attractive, welcoming and vibrant place to visit.”

Shoppers at Queensgate can now utilise the fully equipped Changing Places toilet, which includes a hoist, shower, adjustable sink, and adult-sized changing bench. Additionally, Shopmobility services have resumed.

For more information about Queensgate Shopping Centre and upcoming events, visit www.queensgate-shopping.co.uk