St Paul’s opens new Changing Places toilet as latest step in accessibility and inclusion commitment

St Paul’s Cathedral has officially opened a new Changing Places toilet, enhancing accessibility for visitors with complex impairments and reaffirming the Cathedral’s commitment to welcoming everyone. The new facility, located in the Crypt, provides a dignified, safe and fully equipped space for the more than 250,000 people across the UK who require specialist toilet provision. Opening this facility marks another significant milestone in St Paul’s ongoing mission to be a Cathedral for all.

Changing Places toilets provide vital additional space and essential equipment for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet, including a WC, ceiling hoist, basin, adult-sized changing bench, and optional shower. The installation at St Paul’s is the fourth within the City of London (the Square Mile) and forms part of a wider programme to improve accessibility across the Cathedral estate.

The project began in January 2026 as the latest step in St Paul’s long-term vision to make the building more inclusive for all visitors. Recent improvements include the permanent step free Equal Access entrance at the North Transept, opened in 2022, featuring gently sloped ramps for wheelchair users, people with mobility aids and those with pushchairs. These enhancements form part of broader work to improve navigation and comfort across the site, including upgraded lighting, handrails, and wayfinding for visitors with a range of access needs.

The toilet was officially opened on 15th April 2026 with a special blessing by Canon Steward Catherine Okoronkwo. Among the attendees were representatives from the UK Changing Places Consortium, Premier Group and Astor Bannerman, alongside children and staff from Richard Cloudesley School in Islington.

Rebecca Thompson, Director of Property, St Paul’s Cathedral said:

“At St Paul’s our vision is ‘Inspiring faith. Welcoming everyone. A Cathedral for London and the world’. The construction of a Changing Places Facility is a positive step to welcoming everyone and a message that our Cathedral is for the people of London and the world. We include improvements to accessibility in every project that we deliver. This one is extra special, and I am very proud of the team who delivered this project with such care and attention to detail.”

Jenny Miller, PAMIS CEO and Chair of the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium, said:

“As Chair of the UK Changing Places Toilet Consortium, PAMIS is delighted to welcome the installation of a Changing Places toilet at St Paul’s Cathedral. We are thrilled that such an iconic and historic landmark has taken this vital step towards greater accessibility and inclusion. Heritage venues and major tourist destinations have a powerful role to play in ensuring that people with complex disabilities - and those who care for them - can participate fully in cultural life.

We were delighted to work with Premier Group to deliver this special project. Premier Group is a trusted name in the construction industry, bringing over 20 years of expertise to every project. 

A representative from Premier Group, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Astor Bannerman to deliver the new Changing Places facility bringing accessibility to such an iconic location as St Pauls Cathedral."