A specialist Changing Places toilet in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens has reopened after being closed for a year due to repeated incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
The facility, which supports people with severe disabilities who cannot use standard accessible toilets, had been shut since August 2025 following damage caused by drug use, rough sleeping and destruction of equipment.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council confirmed the reopening at 10am after installing enhanced security measures, including a video-enabled intercom system.
Councillor Andy Hadley said the council was sorry for the length of the closure and the impact on residents and visitors.
The council’s anti-social behaviour team and Community Safety Accreditation Scheme officers will now work with facilities staff to monitor the site.
The Lower Gardens Changing Places toilet offers extended accessibility, with space for a wheelchair, up to two carers, a centrally positioned toilet, a hoist and an adult changing bench.
The facility operates daily, with opening hours varying by season. During the closure, many people had to travel further to use a similar facility at the Marsham Court Hotel on Russell Cotes Road.
