The world famous Strawberry Field, immortalised by The Beatles, has now safely re-opened post Covid-19, with new measures in place and it is open to ALL, in part because of its WCs.

Recent news has announced that large accessible toilets for severely disabled people - known as Changing Places - will be made compulsory for new buildings in England from 2021.

Strawberry Field, the Salvation Army centre in Liverpool immortalised by John Lennon, has seen the investment of £8m in the creation of an interactive visitor exhibition, café and shop, as well as a Training Hub for young adults with barriers to employment. The new centre opened in September 2019, and to ensure all visitors can make the most of their time there, a Changing Places toilet facility was included in plans and supplied and installed by Closomat.

Changing Places toilets provide more space and equipment than conventional wheelchair-accessible WCs, to meet the needs of people of all ages who need help to deal with their intimate hygiene. Closomat’s installation at Strawberry Field gives users a peninsular WC with a full room cover ceiling track hoist, height adjustable adult-sized changing bench, height adjustable washbasin, and privacy screen, in a 12m2 room.

Chris Stringer, Learning Disability Inclusion Development Manager, The Salvation Army said:

“I have been aware of and following the campaign to having more Changing Places toilets available for a couple of years. Even when space was a possible issue at Strawberry Field, the provision of a Changing Places toilet was never in doubt.”

Individuals who have been campaigning for more Changing Places facilities to be made available, particularly in northern England, are said to be "especially pleased" at the news.

Changing Places toilet facility locations can be found online by visiting https://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/ and further information on Strawberry Field at https://www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/