19th December 2025
Thame Market House has had a makeover thanks to South Oxfordshire District Council.
The building’s toilets have been refurbished and reconfigured to include a new Changing Places facility.
They provide extra equipment and space for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities or with physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.
It means anyone, regardless of their disability, can go to the shops, attend hospital appointments, enjoy community life, socialise and travel without worry about accessing toilet facilities.
The individual unisex toilets are now on the railing side of the Market House.
The council also carried out exterior decoration, roof repairs and facia cleaning and refurbishment of the rainwater goods, to the Grade II listed building.
As part of the nine-month project, essential structural repairs were carried out to the supporting steel columns in the basement of Market House.
Cllr Pieter-Paul Barker, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Property Assets, said: ““The council is committed to investing in facilities and infrastructure our communities need.
“Changing Places facilities are an important part of ensuring our market towns are inclusive to all, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to build one in Thame.
“The Market House looks great after the renovations, which have also meant the beautiful historic listed building has been made more structurally secure.”
The repairs were partly funded by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – the levy the council can choose to charge on new developments in the area – and capital budget.
Cllr Kate Gregory, ward member for Thame, said: “This is a really positive improvement for residents and visitors to Thame. The new Changing Places facility will make a huge difference to people with complex disabilities and their families, helping them to enjoy everything our town has to offer with greater confidence and dignity.
“It’s also great to see the Market House being carefully restored and strengthened, protecting an important historic building while ensuring it continues to serve the community for many years to come.”
