ICC Wales has revealed a number of measures designed to make the South Wales venue accessible to all when it opens in 2019, including the adoption of Changing Places accessible toilets and the rolling out of several dementia friendly initiatives.

The Newport convention centre, which is currently under construction at the Celtic Manor Resort, has repurposed several of its ground floor rooms to incorporate more accessible toilet facilities as part of the Changing Places campaign led by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Changing Places Toilets are designed for those who find that standard accessible toilets do not meet their needs. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.

ICC Wales has also registered as a Dementia Friendly venue, which will include training staff on specific customer service scenarios related to dementia, as well as ensuring that all signage is as clear as possible, and backed up with symbols or images where appropriate, that there are quiet areas, drop off bays in front of the venue, and that the chairs are a distinctive colour from the flooring.

Nancy Mollett, convention centre director, ICC Wales said: “We are delighted to introduce these measures to help ensure that ICC Wales is welcoming and accessible to everybody. As a completely new-build venue, we are in a privileged position in being able to include the very best and most up-to date facilities at the design and construction stage.

"We have consulted widely with charities such as Disabled Living to ensure that our venue is as inclusive as possible, and we will continue to do so in order to keep up to date with future developments.”

ICC Wales is an £84m joint venture between Celtic Manor Resort and Welsh Government, and when complete in 2019 will accommodate up to 5,000 delegates. The venue includes a 4,000sqm pillar-free main hall, a 1,500-seated auditorium, 12 flexible meeting rooms, a double-height glass atrium and a 2,500 sqm outdoor plaza.