Wimbledon calls game, set and match on inaccessibility with new disabled facility

As the Tennis world descends on Wimbledon in July for the world’s most popular lawn Grand Slam Tournament, OpeMed has been working with the All England Tennis Club to serve up the first Changing Places facility at Centre Court Wimbledon.

With wheelchair Tennis having been played at Wimbledon for the past 13 years since the first doubles competition was introduced in 2005, the new Changing Places project is the newest feature in the in the tournament’s path to inclusivity.

The accessible facility, which is situated amongst the refurbished Court 18 toilets, features a height adjustable washbasin, Geberit AquaClean wash/dry toilet, an OT200 Ceiling Hoist and a Nivano height adjustable Changing Table boasting a bespoke splash of ‘Lawn’ green colour, in keeping with the AELTC colour scheme.

Providing those with profound and multiple learning and physical disabilities with the extra space and equipment required to allow them to use the toilet safely and comfortably, the Changing Places campaign’s mission is to make accessible toileting available for all.

With over a quarter of a million people in the UK needing to use a Changing Places toilet, there are only just over 1,000 across the UK according to the Changing Places Consortium.

According to OpeMed, the official co-sponsor and supplier for the Changing Places campaign, the new Changing Places had been in the offing since late 2017, when the company met with the planning consultant to conceptualise the layout and design.

Having installed Changing Places in some of the UK’s largest stadiums, such as Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Manchester City’s Etihad, the company says it has become the expert in the design, installation and maintenance of Changing Places in stadium venues.

Nick Kent, Managing Director of OpeMed, added: “As well as Leisure Facilities, Tourism Attractions and Transport Hubs we are pleased to be helping Stadiums in the UK and indeed worldwide provide these vital facilities.”

Taking place on 2nd July until 15th July 2018, OpeMed says the new facility will allow disabled Tennis fans and spectators to enjoy the tournament without worrying about cutting their day short to look for an appropriate toilet.