Changing Places takes Centre Court at Wimbledon
In July, the gaze of the Tennis world will be set firmly on England to welcome once more the world’s favourite lawn Grand Slam Tennis Tournament. It has also been the stage for OpeMed’s latest Changing Places project, working alongside the All England Lawn Tennis Club to design, install and maintain Wimbledon’s first Changing Places toilet at Centre Court Wimbledon.
Wimbledon has been carving a path for inclusivity within Tennis for 13 years; wheelchair Tennis has been played on the grass at SW19 since 2005 when a doubles competition was first introduced, with last year being the first time a singles competition had been played. But now they’re focusing on inclusivity within their grounds, and serving a backhand to inaccessibility. The All England Tennis Club utilised OpeMed’s knowledge and expertise to design, install and maintain their wonderful Changing Places facility.
Wimbledon carving a path for Inclusivity with Changing Places
The new Changing Places facility allows disabled Tennis fans and spectators to enjoy their strawberries and cream without the worry of cutting their fine day out short to look for an appropriate toilet with a Ceiling Hoist and Changing Bench.
The Changing Places, situated amongst the refurbished Court 18 toilets, has been on the cards since late last year when OpeMed met with the planning consultant to conceptualise the layout and design. The bespoke splash of ‘Lawn’ green colour from the Padded Top of the Nivano Height Adjustable Changing Table is suitably in keeping with the AELTC colour scheme. The OT200 Ceiling Hoist and Washbasin make up the other essential height adjustable equipment alongside the Geberit AquaClean Wash/Dry Toilet, meeting all the needs a disabled visitor might have to go to the loo safely and with dignity.
Changing Places in Stadiums is our Expertise
Following the Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal OpeMed has become the expert in advising, designing, installing and maintaining Changing Places in Stadiums. 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” It’s fantastic to be able to unveil this Stadium Changing Places facility just in time for Wimbledon 2018 when it will be able to improve the experience for so many guests as they can purely focus on enjoying the world-class competition. That’s Game Set and Match!
