Rethinking inclusive public toilets for HS2: research evaluation and design to set an exemplar standard and best practice to meet the needs of multiple user groups

High Speed two (HS2) believes that an inclusive design approach will make the network easier for everyone to use. The design of stations and rolling stock will be based around the people using them and developing a better understanding of users and their needs is therefore key to defining the best solutions and to informing the development of new standards and best practice.

An opportunity for developing a new standard was identified to address a gap between the provision of ‘Accessible Toilets and ‘Adult Changing Places’ facilities in Figure 40 and Figure 48 in BS8300^[1]. Bridging this gap will improve the usability of toilets on station platforms, both for wheelchair users and for people requiring specific features for a range of needs. These are additional provision which exceed current best practice.

A multi-disciplinary investigation was undertaken involving Architects, Human Factors Consultants and Access Consultants, into what would constitute an enhanced platform toilet facility. Information relating to a wide range of users and toilet facilities was collated and scenarios considered such as for travellers with luggage, families travelling with children and push chairs, colostomy bag users, and wheelchair/scooter users. The study also drew upon three toilet layouts, selected as being the most informative for the purposes of the study, within BS8300-2:2018: ‘Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment’^[1], cross comparing the features and configurations with the requirements identified for a range of users. An inclusion/exclusion matrix was produced to reflect this comparison, which enabled the identification of gaps between the functionality of each layout and the requirements of each user group. The results from this matrix analysis led to the development of new layouts which were refined through user engagement and stakeholder feedback to a single square layout with the inherent flexibility to be rotated to suit different contexts.

This study has greatly assisted HS2 towards achieving its strategic customer experience objectives and the process can be replicated for other key customer facilities to support HS2s Inclusive Design commitments. The proposal is now mandated into the HS2 Inclusive Design Standard and will therefore be implemented at all stations and has potential to influence the development of national standards.