Silverburn increases ease and accessibility for shoppers

New amenities include a state-of-the-art Changing Places disabled toilet, new multi-faith room and a refurbished baby changing room.

Scottish MSPs Johann Lamont and Humza Yousaf, who attended the centre to mark the opening, backed the additional Changing Places facility following nationwide calls for disabled facility improvements within public spaces.

The new Changing Places facility provides more than a standard disabled toilet. Built and designed to be used by people with severe and profound disabilities such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis, where extra equipment and space is needed to use the toilet safely and comfortably.

The facility will include a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and hoist system, adjustable sink, centrally placed toilet, shower and privacy screen, and will be able to accommodate a disabled person and up to two carers.

The toilet facility benefits from secure access with a Radar key, which can be collected from the Customer Service Desk. Disabled customers who regularly visit Silverburn will be issued with their own Radar key to improve access even further.

Visitors to Silverburn will now be able to add some moments of peace and reflection to their day’s shopping with the launch of a new multi-faith prayer and quiet room. Accessible during regular shopping hours, the room is open to all faiths and to those simply seeking a place for quiet thought.

Customers will further benefit from refreshed toilets and public amenities. The revamped facilities include eco-friendly male and female toilets, as well as a parent and child changing room featuring a new baby changing table, nappy vending machine and Happy Waste Bin. The secure and accessible space provides a relaxing environment for families, helping to reduce the stress that often arises from a family shopping trip.

David Pierotti, Silverburn’s general manager, stated: “We want to make an environment where customers can come and shop and feel at ease, whatever needs they may have. These new facilities will increase the comfort and enjoyment of the centre for many in our diverse customer base and make for a more inclusive shopping experience.”

Humza Yousaf MSP for Glasgow Pollok said: “I am delighted that Silverburn now has a Changing Place facility. I have had many representations from Pollok constituents over the years about making Silverburn as accessible as possible, it is great to see this facility now in place.

“I was delighted to be part of the campaign, however, thanks must go to the excellent team at Pamis, the tireless local campaigners and of course the management at Silverburn for making this happen. It is fantastic that another barrier has been removed and even more people can enjoy the excellent retail and leisure offer at Silverburn.”

Johann Lamont MSP for Glasgow said: “This is a very welcome development and I commend Silverburn for introducing facilities which address the needs of people with complex care needs.

“The campaigners who have long called for the Changing Places facilities at Silverburn deserve recognition for their commitment and hard work in reaching this stage. The new facility will grant disabled people greater freedom to enjoy a shopping trip or go out for a meal allowing them the same opportunities as others.”