THE refurbished toilets block project in Abbey Grounds Park has finally been completed.

This £150,000 project has undergone numerous delays because of the pandemic and planning permission issues but finally opened to the public on Monday, July 10.

The pre-existing toilet block is believed to have closed because it was the target of vandalism.

Sewage pipes for the building were also breached by nearby tree roots.

Portable toilets beside it were only supposed to be a short-term fix but remained there for last few years.

A contractor was appointed to start work on the project at the beginning of February and now all the facilities are available for public use.

This brand-new facility includes toilet cubicles, baby changing facilities and a Changing Places toilet designed for those who require extra support in personal care and hygiene needs.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Brand-new Changing Places toilet facility in Abbey Grounds Brand-new Changing Places toilet facility in Abbey Grounds (Image: Cirencester Town Council)

It comes fully equipped with height-adjustable changing tables, a ceiling track hoist, a shower with privacy screen, and plenty of space for those using mobility scooters or wheelchairs. 

The new modern facility was made possible by a £30k grant received through Cotswold District Council as part of the government’s Changing Places Fund. 

This government funded programme is being delivered in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: L-R: Cllr Mark Harris, Ward Councillor, Abbey Ward; Cllr Sabrina Dixon, Mayor of Cirencester; and Cllr Nikki Ind, Chair of Cotswold District CouncilL-R: Cllr Mark Harris, Ward Councillor, Abbey Ward; Cllr Sabrina Dixon, Mayor of Cirencester; and Cllr Nikki Ind, Chair of Cotswold District Council (Image: Cirencester Town Council)

The Changing Places toilet is located near the town entrance of Abbey Grounds Park, adjacent to the newly renovated public toilets. 

The facility is open to the general public with radar key access and opening hours can be found on the Changing Places website on www.changing-places.org/

A spokesperson for the town council’s Land and Property team said: "We're thrilled to have these incredible facilities in Cirencester, which have been created to promote accessibility and inclusivity.

"It's wonderful to see the Abbey Grounds become a more accessible place for all our residents and visitors.

"This vital addition to Cirencester Town is testament to the council’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion within society."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cllr Nikki Ind, Chair of Cotswold District Council; Cllr Sabrina Dixon, Mayor of Cirencester and Cllr Mark Harris, Ward Councillor, Abbey Ward outside the new Changing Places toiletCllr Nikki Ind, Chair of Cotswold District Council; Cllr Sabrina Dixon, Mayor of Cirencester and Cllr Mark Harris, Ward Councillor, Abbey Ward outside the new Changing Places toilet (Image: Cirencester Town Council)