Improving accessibility: Coventry welcomes new ShopMobility centre

The official handover of the new ShopMobility facility in Greyfriars Lane, Coventry took place on Friday 17^th It marks another significant milestone in the transformation of the city center with the delivery of the Coventry City Center South project. Providing key services for people with reduced mobility, this essential facility has been achieved through collaborative efforts between Coventry City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and award-winning builder The Hill Group.

Originally opened just over 30 years ago by the Lord Mayor, Alex Boyd, the new and improved facility, which has been relocated from the Barracks car park, is a significant improvement for its users and the community. Located in Salt Lane car park, the new ShopMobility was built by Hill and funded by WMCA.

Jo Sanders, Coventry ShopMobility Manager was joined by Cllr Jim O’Boyle and Cllr Patricia Hetherton from Coventry City Council, Richard Parker Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Fancy, Managing Director at The Hill Group and other members of the project team, for to mark the official handover with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in accessibility for downtown.

Barbara Gibbs, a regular ShopMobility user, had the honor of cutting the ribbon and said: “A big thank you goes out to everyone involved in this project. This center and the new store will continue to provide an excellent and essential service to people like me and it’s a pleasure to be here today as part of the celebrations.”

As part of a national network of centres, the ShopMobility service rents mobility equipment to the public, including manual wheelchairs, power chairs and mobility scooters, so that people with reduced mobility can enjoy independence outdoors. These rentals are cheap or sometimes free for people of all ages who want to access downtown shopping and entertainment.

In particular, the inclusion of a Changing Places facility highlights a commitment to promoting inclusion and dignity for all community members. Coventry City Council has secured funding for the second time to install Changing Places modular toilets by March 2024, joining 63 other local authorities nationwide. This funding, which is the second Changing Places toilet to open in the city center in 2024, is testament to Coventry’s commitment to accessibility.

Changing places are toilets for people with profound and multiple disabilities. They are equipped with specialized equipment such as a hoist and a changing bench. They provide enough space for up to two carers to support the disabled person to use the Changing Place. These toilet facilities will ensure that people with severe disabilities and their families or carers will not have to worry about whether there are suitable facilities when they are out shopping, planning a day out or travelling.

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Jo Sanders, manager at Coventry ShopMobility, commented: “I would like to thank The Hill Group, the Council and the WMCA for creating this fabulous new space for us in Coventry city centre. We opened our doors to the general public on May 7th^th and have already welcomed many new and returning customers to use these essential services. This facility allows people of all ages to borrow equipment to enjoy Coventry city centre, offering opportunities for independence. I am extremely impressed with the consideration and detail invested, reflecting a shared commitment to making Coventry more accessible for all, and I know our state-of-the-art Changing Places toilet will have a big impact on many lives.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chairman of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “High streets and vibrant town centers are essential to our regional economy and people’s quality of life. Funding provided by the WMCA to build a new home for Coventry ShopMobility means the city center and all it has to offer remains accessible to as many people as possible. It also delivers on our commitment to giving cities and town centers the support they need to thrive for years to come.

Andy Fancy, Managing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “I am delighted to mark the handover of the ShopMobility facility and wish them every success. The new facility marks the start of a wider regeneration project here in Coventry. With a focus on pedestrian-friendly design and enhanced retail offers, City Center South is poised to redefine Coventry’s urban landscape, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.”

“Over time, we will create hundreds of new homes for the local community, along with 8,000 square meters of new retail space and 17,000 square meters of public open space, which will be transformative for Coventry.”

Councilor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, said: “It’s great to see ShopMobility open and thriving at its new base in Salt Lane car park. The move does indeed mark the start of work on City Center South, and it won’t be long before Hill can demolish the Barracks car park and start work on the first phase.

“With investment in the station and the transformation of the upper precinct already complete, private sector investment in our city center is really important.”

Cllr Patricia Hetherton said: “ShopMobility is a really important service and I know it is very much appreciated by local people and visitors. The new fit-out at Salt Lane is really impressive, with a new Changing Places toilet and additional space to allow disposal, both of which are even more accessible.”

Conveniently located a five-minute walk from Coventry train station, City Center South forms a major element of the wider overall plan for the regeneration of Coventry, which has already seen a major upgrade of the station.

Please note that June 7^th it’s ShopMobility Centre’s national awareness day. For more details on this and Coventry ShopMobility visit: https://www.shopmobilityuk.org/centres/view/coventry/

For more information, visit City Center South.

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