Disability access at Leicester’s Haymarket Bus Station

A citywide programme to make Leicester accessible to all visitors has taken a major step forward with the opening of a state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet at the new Haymarket Bus Station.

The £13.5million regeneration of the city’s main bus station has created a modern, comfortable environment with an attractive concourse building replacing the collection of 1990s bus shelters that previously stood on the site.

Among the key features of the new building is the new Changing Places facility that features a Pressalit height adjustable adult size nursing bench, a height adjustable Select basin bracket with the wash basin, and ergonomic support arms alongside the WC. The facility was supplied and installed by Changing Places Specialist Total Hygiene.

The new Changing Places toilet at the bus station is wheelchair accessible with plenty of space for carers.

Kay Wyeth, Changing Places project lead at Leicester City Council, said: “The city council is making significant investment in the regeneration of Leicester, and the Changing places programme is a key part of that.

“Knowing that there are fully accessible toilets available in the city centre means that families don’t have to limit outings to a few short hours, and instead can enjoy a day out without worrying about such a basic need.

“That’s why the inclusion of a Changing Places toilet was such an important element of the regeneration of the city’s main bus station.”

The new Haymarket Bus Station is also completely level access, and pavements surrounding the bus station have been widened, and block-paved. The bus station also incorporates the Shopmobility centre, which offers free loans of scooters and wheelchairs to disabled visitors.

Andrew Lowndes, UK Sales Manager for Pressalit adds, “Changing Places facilities should be fitted in any building to which members of the public have access, bus stations and other transport termini included.”