The new facility has been designed specifically for visitors with disabilities or complex care needs when visiting the leisure centre.

The purpose-built toilet and changing room environment will help to enhance accessibility in the popular leisure centre.

The Chairman of Maldon District Council, Cllr Kevin Lagan, officially opened the new Changing Places* facility at the Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon on Friday 12 July.

Cllr Lagan said: "I was delighted to officially open this much-needed facility which will make a tremendous difference to those with complex needs who visit the Leisure Centre. 

Cllr Kevin Lagan, Chairman of Maldon District Council, opening the facility. (Photo: MDC)

"I am grateful to Places Leisure for supporting the delivery of this new facility and I hope it will be very well used."

Funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, now known as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has enabled the delivery of this state-of-the-art facility within Blackwater Leisure Centre.

 The Council has worked closely with its partner, Places Leisure, to complete the project over recent months, and it is now available for use.

Mark Taylor, Contracts Manager at Places Leisure said: "We are delighted to be able to create a more inclusive and seamless customer journey alongside Maldon District Council for those that require additional support. 

"The new facility will offer our community a convenient and welcoming environment to get activity ready, allowing them in some cases to independently access our sessions and get the most out of their leisure experience."

*Changing Places Consortium was established in 2005, and is a group of organisations and individuals who work individually to support the rights of people with disabilities and come together as the home of the Changing Places Campaign in the UK.