The idea
This somewhat unconventional project aims to repurpose the ugly disused toilet blocks in the town to provide a Heritage Visitor Centre incorporating a community hub and a Changing Place facility.
To get started we first need to raise funds to cover the internal building works.
The project is exciting and challenging & with the help and support of the local community will provide an excellent asset for the town.
The buildings are one of the first sites seen when entering Bawtry, and indeed South Yorkshire, from the south and east so the renovation works will help to improve the image of both the town & Yorkshire.
Changing Places serve the needs of people with profound disabilities, for whom "ordinary" disabled toilets are inadequate. The aim is to have the facilities open by late 2022.
What we'll deliver
- Internal refurbishment of the disused toilet block
- The provision of voluntary work opportunities
Why it's a great idea
As one of only a few such facilities in the area, the Changing Place will be particularly beneficial for people with profound disabilities & their carers to give them a new-found freedom to be able to visit the town safely, as well as for parents with young children. It will also provide some quality toilet facilities for everyone to use.
The Centre itself will act as a 'hub' and provide information, education and learning to all age groups, which will also help with 'generation gap' aspects within the community through targeted meetings and talks.
Everyone will benefit from the dissemination of information on the rich, largely unknown history & heritage of the town.
The social use, and voluntary work opportunities provided by the facility will help with community 'health & wellbeing' aspects, particularly for the elderly.
It is hoped that the Centre and its facilities will attract more visitors to the town and also allow local arts & crafts to be displayed.
Steps to get it done
- To achieve the crowdfunding target to enable a grant application to be made
- To secure a level of voluntary labour & material support for the project
- To obtain a sufficient grant
- To identify suitable contractors
- To complete the project on budget
- To commission the facilities and arrange for their ongoing management and maintenance
This idea was conceived when Doncaster Council invited tenders for the lease of the disused toilet blocks on Gainsborough Road. A joint venture between the local Heritage Group and Bawtry Retail Association was successful in their 'community-led' bid - and so the journey began!
We want to say a big thank you for the 'in kind’ works already promised and offers of material for the project - it makes a real difference!
- Free legal & architectural services
- A reduced topographical survey
- UPVC windows
