How Big Does an Accessible Changing Room Need to Be?

A self-contained accessible changing and shower room needs to be at least 2200mm x 2000mm under Approved Document M, increasing to 2500mm x 2400mm where a WC is included. An accessible changing cubicle within a larger changing room needs a minimum of 2000mm x 1500mm, with 2600mm x 2000mm preferred, and a Changing Places facility needs a room at least 3.0m wide by 4.0m long with a ceiling height of no less than 2.4m. This page sets out those figures in full, drawn from Approved Document M, Sport England’s Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities guidance (Part D, 2024) and the standards summarised in our changing room dimensions guide.

What Size Is an Accessible Changing Cubicle?

Where individual changing cubicles are provided, the accessible cubicle needs to be noticeably larger than the standard 1000mm x 1100mm single cubicle so that a wheelchair user can enter, turn and transfer to the bench.

Sport England guidance is that disabled players should be accommodated within the team changing rooms rather than in a separate facility, so the accessible provision should sit inside or directly alongside the main changing accommodation.

How Big Is a Self-Contained Accessible Changing and Shower Room?

Approved Document M sets the room sizes for a self-contained accessible facility that combines changing space with a level access shower.

What Size Does a Changing Places Facility Need to Be?

A Changing Places facility is a larger all-gender room with a peninsular WC, fixed ceiling track hoist, basin, adult-sized changing bench and shower, for people who need the help of up to two assistants. Sport England’s Accessible and Inclusive Sports Facilities guidance sets the standard.

What Fittings Does an Accessible Changing Room Need?

Size alone does not make a room compliant. The bench, rails and shower fittings have their own set heights.

How Does This Fit Into a Sports Changing Building?

In a two team pavilion the accessible provision usually takes the form of an accessible changing and shower room off the main lobby, sized to Approved Document M, with the team rooms themselves sized to FA or ECB standards. Our dimensions guide covers the team room, bench and shower figures, and every layout on our floor plans page lists its room sizes so you can check the accessible room against the rest of the building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aren’t Standard Changing Rooms Already Accessible?

No. A standard team changing room with 1000mm x 1100mm cubicles, inward opening doors and perimeter benching does not meet Approved Document M. Accessible provision needs larger cubicles of at least 2000mm x 1500mm, outward opening doors with 875mm clear width and a 1500mm x 1500mm wheelchair turning space. Sport England guidance is that this provision should sit within or directly alongside the team changing rooms rather than in a separate annexe.

How Big Does an Accessible Changing Room Need to Be?

A self-contained accessible changing and shower room to Approved Document M is a minimum of 2200mm x 2000mm, increasing to 2500mm x 2400mm where a WC is included. The door must open outward with at least 875mm clear width.

What Size Is an Accessible Changing Cubicle?

An accessible changing cubicle within a larger changing room is a minimum of 2000mm x 1500mm, with 2600mm x 2000mm preferred, and needs a 1500mm x 1500mm clear wheelchair turning space and an outward opening door of at least 875mm clear width.

What Size Is a Changing Places Room?

A standard Changing Places facility is at least 3.0m wide by 4.0m long, which is 12 square metres, with a ceiling height of no less than 2.4m for the ceiling track hoist and a door with a minimum 1000mm effective clear width.

What Height Should the Bench Be in an Accessible Changing Room?

The changing bench should be cantilevered, around 600mm deep and set 480mm above floor level, with grab rails to the back and side walls.

Do Sports Clubs Need a Separate Accessible Changing Room?

Sport England guidance is that disabled players should be accommodated within the team changing rooms rather than in a separate facility, with a self-contained accessible changing and shower room provided in addition where the building serves the wider public.