Changing Places toilet installed in JD Wetherspoon Bedford pub

One of Bedford’s most popular pubs is set to be even more so, as it reopens its doors after a major refurbishment that has turned it into the most accessible inn in the area.

JD Wetherspoon has invested £3.5million in refurbishment of the historic, 150 years-old Pilgrims Progress, creating a 31 bedroom hotel above, and enhanced facilities in the main pub. Those include a state-of-the-art assisted accessible toilet, a Changing Places, supplied and installed by Britain’s leading toileting independence provider, Clos-o-Mat.

The Changing Places means anyone who needs a carer’s help with their personal hygiene has the appropriate space and equipment to do so hygienically. The alternative would be to curtail their visit, or lie their loved one on the toilet floor to change them.

Bigger than conventional wheelchair-accessible toilet, it also has a hoist and adult-sized height adjustable changing bench as standard. JD Wetherspoon has conveniently located it adjacent to other WC facilities, by the beer garden entrance, and ensured level access throughout. Users simply need a RADAR key to enter.

“Wetherspoon’s has a reputation for setting the standard for toilets in the hospitality sector. We have won the UK Trophy for Accessible Toilets, and almost 450 of our pubs won at least a gold rating, at the Loo of the Year Awards. It was at the Awards we saw Changing Places,” explained Pilgrims Progress manager Mark Judd. “Changing Places toilets are included wherever possible can as part of our ongoing upgrade schemes. The size and layout of the Pilgrims Progress made it an ideal candidate.”

Added Kelvin Grimes, “The Changing Places at the Pilgrims Progress means that visitors who have special needs can relax and enjoy their time at the pub, knowing there are suitable toilet facilities for them.”

A Changing Places toilet is now ‘desirable’ under Building Regulations Approved Document M 2015, and BS8300:2009, for all new build and refurbishment projects involving buildings to which numbers of the public have access.  So far, over 850 Changing Places have been opened at venues across the country.

Clos-o-Mat is the leading player in the supply and installation of Changing Places facilities. Its ability to deliver design advice, project management, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance across the ambit of accessible toileting equipment means it is uniquely provide a reliable, single source for the whole process. Further, its website www.clos-o-mat.com, is an essential reference point for anyone considering installing a Changing Places toilet, offering white paper, 2D and 3D CAD drawings, standard layouts, and video.