ODS completes refurbishment of Abbey Meadow public toilets for Vale of White Horse
Oxford Direct Services (ODS) has completed a major refurbishment of Abingdon’s Abbey Meadow park public toilet facilities for Vale of White Horse District Council.
The revamped toilet block now includes a space to change facility, with a wheelchair accessible toilet and a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and hoist. The block has been completely refurbished and includes five self-contained unisex toilets and men’s urinals. There are also baby changing facilities.
The toilet renovations is the final part of the council’s major makeover of Abbey Meadow which also included a revamped play area and the complete rebuilding of the outdoor pool, which reopened last year. The work is the first project carried out by ODS for Vale of White Horse District Council.
Steve Carter, Contracts Manager for ODS, said: “Our successful track record of delivering local authority projects and our breadth and depth of in-house trade skills makes us the ideal partner for local authorities. We understand the importance of social projects and recognise the need to be considerate when working in public spaces, such as the park.”
Steve added that he believed the success of the project was based on the close working relationship developed with the council and the ability to rely on the skills of the ODS in-house team for groundwork, carpentry, plumbing and electrics, only bringing in specialist contractors when needed, for advice on the disabled facilities, for example.
Dylan Evans, Active Communities Manager at Vale of White Horse District Council, added: “Working with ODS on the public toilet element of the project was straightforward and positive. They understood our priorities and completed the work within the agreed time and budget.”
In April 2018, Oxford City Council transformed its direct services operations into a wholly-owned company, ODS, which operates like a social enterprise. Over 700 staff were transferred to the new organisation. ODS delivers a wide-range of services to over 150,000 residents, businesses and organisations including highways and engineering, waste and recycling, street cleaning, construction, property and grounds maintenance. The new structure allows ODS to offer its services to other commercial customers with all profits generated being reinvested back into the community, via the City Council.