Burnley FC choose an Innova Changing Place to improve stadium accessibility

On Changing Place Awareness Day 2019, we’re very happy to say that we have just handed over a new facility at Turf Moor Stadium — the home of Burnley Football Club. The Changing Place is part of a wider development currently going on at the stadium that will see more accessible areas for disabled supporters.

Burnley have decided to expand the Jimmy McIlroy stand to include two new three-level wheelchair seating areas that will give fans a full view of the pitch and shelter from the rain on match days. The Innova Changing Place is situated on the ground floor of one of these new extensions and is easily accessible for the whole stand.

Burnley’s Stadium and Operations Manager, Doug Metcalf, said:

“At Burnley, our motto is very much ‘do the right thing’. We’re not dragging our heels when it comes to making our stadium more accessible — we’re doing it because we genuinely want disabled supporters to have everything they could possibly need when they come to Turf Moor.

“Installing a Changing Place is just one step in making our stadium better-equipped for both home and away supporters.”

With more pressure being put on Premier League football clubs for their lack of disabled facilities, Burnley is going above and beyond to ensure that both home and away disabled supporters have their needs met in these new facilities.

The new seating areas are also fitted with permanent seating so disabled fans can still enjoy the game with their friends and family right next to them. The club has also built a new concourse completely with TV screens and wheelchair-level counters for food and drink vendors.

Our team supplied and installed several parts of the Changing Place, including the overhead hoist system, height-adjustable changing bench, and the height-adjustable washbasin.

Our Projects Director, Bob Oliver, said:

“The progress that Burnley is making in the way of accessibility is very impressive; this level of thought and care should be embraced by football clubs all over the UK.

“It also just goes to show how important it is that Changing Places be installed not only in football stadiums — but in all kinds of public facilities. They’re an investment in your building and your customers’ quality of life.”

The Changing Places Consortium was set up in 2006 to campaign for more fully accessible toilets in public buildings. The group now hold an annual Changing Places Awareness Day that raises awareness for the need for more accessible facilities throughout the UK.