Aberdeen Sports Village & Aquatics Centre

The buildings are bright, flooring is even and there are no lips for wheelchairs users to navigate. Generally, both the sports centre and aquatics centre are clean, tidy and there are no trip hazards. The entrance gates aren't quite wide enough for a sports wheelchair (with angled wheels) to get through but standard wheelchairs and powerchairs will get through easily. The reception desk at the aquatics centre is low enough for easy access by wheelchair users, and in the sports centre, there isn't a desk but a staff member is always on hand at a lecturn to help. The facility has a good amount of accessible parking spaces (both at the sports centre and aquatics centre) but the aquatics centre spaces aren't signposted as well and so are sometimes taken up by non-blue-badge holders. There are accessible changing rooms in both centres, and there is a larger one with ceiling-track hoist and a large changing table in the sports centre cafe as well as a Changing Places facility in the aquatics centre changing rooms. A shower chair is available in the aquatics centre and both pools can be accessed at various points via hoist (you need to bring your own sling). There is accessible equipment in the gym, including a wide powerlifting bench. The gym staff are fantastic at advising on exercises and adapting exercises to suit disabled people, and they're really welcoming and inclusive, as are the rest of the staff - although due to staff turnover, it can take time for new staff to catch up with the inclusive culture of the facility. There are some clubs, sessions and classes that are adaptable for people with disabilities - it's best to ask the reception desk and they'll put you in touch with the right people to speak to about what you need.

I have rated 3.5 stars on this occasion as I had some difficulty using their facilities, the staff did all that they could to assist so with that I would definitely go back. With past experience I would give the Aquatics Centre a 4. I would recommend Aberdeen Aquatics Centre for families, fitness enthusiasts to those who use the pool for a gentle swim or for rehabilitation purposes.

There are 2 car parks for the Sports Centre with disabled parking close to the main doors. Can be very busy car parks if sporting tournaments on.