Peterborough Cathedral Changing Places Toilets plans flushed down the loo due to lack of funding

In October 2024, plans were submitted for the new facilities to be installed at the historic building.

At the time. disability campaigners said the news was a huge boost to the city centre – with the proposed facilities making it a more welcoming destination for many visitors.

Changing Places toilets are larger toilet facilities which include an adult size changing mat and a hoist designed to help disabled visitors.

However, now the plans have been pulled due to a lack of funding, campaigners have said it is a ‘great blow.’

“This is a great blow and so disappointing for all the families and visitors who require a Changing Place toilet"

Karen Oldale, who has long campaigned for better facilities for disabled people in the city centre said: “This is a great blow and so disappointing for all the families and visitors to Peterborough who require a Changing Place toilet. These are such important facilities; the Cathedral seemed an ideal location.

“What makes this update additionally frustrating is that the government had awarded the city, through the local authority (Peterborough City Council), funds for such a facility to be built. This was a fantastic opportunity, but sadly, this has now been lost.

“It’s widely acknowledged that Peterborough needs more public toilets, including for disabled people. It would encourage more people to visit and spend time in the city centre. We sincerely hope the Council and Cathedral will explore opportunities to address this."

Cllr Julie Stevenson, who has also called for better facilities in the city centre for disabled people, said: “While it's disappointing that lack of funding has meant this project can no longer go ahead at this time, I'd like to thank the Cathedral team for being so positive about providing accessible facilities so that everyone can enjoy the best of what Peterborough has to offer without the stress of worrying about finding an accessible loo."

The Peterborough Telegraph revealed in 2023 that the historic cathedral was planning on bringing Changing Places toilets to the city centre, after the city council was given a grant of £80,000.

Money was spent on new facilities at Nene Park, and in Queensgate.

"We recognise how vital a Changing Places facility would be for visitors with profound and multiple disabilities"

A spokesperson for Peterborough Cathedral said: “While we recognise how vital a Changing Places facility would be for visitors with profound and multiple disabilities, funding specifically allocated for this project is no longer available.

"Given the current financial position of Peterborough Cathedral, we are sadly unable to move forward with the work at this time.

“We remain committed to improving accessibility wherever possible, and we will continue to explore future opportunities to deliver facilities that support the needs of every member of our community.”

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “We have previously supported the installation of Changing Places at Nene Park and the Queensgate Shopping Centre after securing funding.

“We will continue to assist the Cathedral with any future plans for similar facilities and remain committed to working with our partners to support and enhance facilities for vulnerable residents.”