Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena opens Changing Places Toilet

Capital FM Arena Nottingham/ National Ice Centre is the first Arena in the UK to install a Changing Places toilet thanks to funding by Nottingham City Council. Chief Executive Geoff Huckstep says “We want our venue to be accessible to everyone which is why we were so keen to get this facility installed at the Arena. We are proud to be the first arena in the country to do this and we would encourage others to follow.” Opening the facility with Councillor Eunice Campbell was Sara Brett from Nottingham. Sara’s is severely disabled with cerebral palsy and needs 24-hour care. She lives in her own bungalow and receives many hours of support from her sister, Linda (see Sara’s full story on our life stories page)
“Every time we go to the Arena we usually have to leave before the end because Sara needs the toilet, but that won’t happen now” Linda explains. Sara and her brother in law Pete, who also attended the opening of the Changing Places facility, are looking forward to returning to the Arena and have already booked to see Disney on Ice.
Nottingham City Council is recognised as a national leader for provision of Changing Places toilets. Cllr Eunice Campbell, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for Adults and Health, says: “The Capital FM Arena is a top class facility which attracts some of the best live acts in the world. Everyone should be able to enjoy what this Arena and the city centre as a whole offers. I’m delighted that the Council have made possible the addition of a Changing Place facility which means that some people are no longer excluded from enjoying Nottingham’s entertainment offer.”
Changing Places Consortium member Martin Jackaman has been working with the City Council and the Arena for over 3 years and also attended the opening ceremony. For more information about the Nottingham arena (click here)