Changing Places at the SSE Arena
Belfast gets even more accessible with the opening of a new Changing Places at the SSE Arena! The facility opened in November 2018 to meet the needs of all the SSE Arena customers. Sync Living provided strategic advice on the key equipment and the space required to meet the criteria of BS3800:2018.
About the SSE Arena
The SSE Arena is a sports and entertainment venue located in the Titanic Quarter, Belfast. It opened in 2000 and it is the largest facility of this type in Northern Ireland. The SSE arena is renowned for delivering top quality events and entertainment, hosting international stars from the world of sports, music, comedy, arts, and politics.
Claiming that “At SSE we place our customers at the heart of everything”, the management is deeply committed to ensuring that their services are available to all visitors.
As such, the arena provides:
- Disabled parking spaces
- 10 unisex standard accessible toilets
- Wheelchair-friendly lift
- Wheelchair-friendly spaces determined on an event by event basis
- Box Office, Concierge Desk and catering units fitted with low-level counters
- Box Office equipped with an induction loop system
- Accessible viewing platforms
- FM hearing loop system within the Arena bowl
- Safe storage space for mobility equipment
- Assistance dogs allowed
- Visitors who need to carry medicine with them are welcome
- Free tickets for carers subject to availability
About the Changing Places at the SSE Arena
Following several customer requests, the SSE Arena decided to invest in an accessible Changing Places toilet. These requests came especially from the regular attendees of the Belfast Giants games. In fact, even the most loyal fans sometimes need to use the toilet during a match, but up until now, this was not possible for attendees with more profound disabilities. Why? Because standard accessible toilets are not provided with a changing table, a peninsular toilet, and enough space for the individual and up to two carers.
The opening of a Changing Places at the SSE Arena creates enlarged opportunities for people with complex disabilities, as they are now free to attend more events, socialize, and enjoy their leisure time with no restrictions and in complete safety. According to Lisa McAnally, SSE Arena event manager, this was the right move considering their inclusive policy. Indeed, installing a Changing Places means that they are now able to grant full accessibility to their customers.
The Changing Places at SSE Arena is located on the first floor, room 15, in the concourse. It is not possible to access the facility using a radar key. To get access to the Changing Places, customers planning to attend an event at the SSE Arena can:
- Complete their access requirement form
- Call the box office on 028 9073 9074
Once the visitors arrive at the venue, they can get the key from key members of the staff or by the Concierge desk.
About the Changing Places at the SSE Arena and Sync Living
Andrew Smyth, Sync Living Changing Places Specialist, is satisfied with the outcome of the Changing Places at SSE Arena. He provided guidelines to comply with the BS8300:2018 and guidance about the key equipment needed to meet the users’ needs in the best way. He commented:
The venue is to be congratulated on the provision of a Changing Places Toilet providing accessibility and inclusion for people with advanced care needs.
He then added:
SSE Arena is the first large entertainment venue in Belfast to provide these enhanced changing and toileting facilities. Located in the Titanic Quarter it means that individuals with profound disabilities and their carers can plan for a day away from home and enjoy the wide programme of events hosted by the Arena. One potential user, I spoke to recently affirmed that in the past she has not been able to eat, drink or go to the toilet for over 12 hours whilst attending an event. The Changing Places at the SSE Arena will definitely have a positive impact on many people’s lives.
Mark Spottiswoode, director at Sync Living is pleased the SSE Arena has gone the extra mile to meet customers’ needs and ensure equality and accessibility.
It is great to see SSE arena enhancing their complex by installing a changing places facility. This premier entertainment venue has shown that their doors are open to all.
Sync Living is committed to providing the necessary guidelines to install Changing Places facilities that meet BS8300:2018. This is the way we contribute to the creation of a more inclusive society across Ireland and Northern Ireland. If you also think more public buildings, venues, and shopping centres should be equipped with a Changing Places toilet, get in touch to know what we can do to make this change happen.
For any further information, email Andrew Smyth at andrew@syncliving.co.uk.
