Overview

A great venue where a lot of planning and thought has obviously gone into providing an accessible experience for disabled visitors.

Transport & Parking

Parking for disabled visitors right outside the front door! Accessible buses pass along the nearby road and will take you into the city centre.

Access

You can park in designated Blue Badge bays outside the front door. The main entrance doors, as well as many internal doors, are automated. Areas of the complex are well signposted and there are spacious accessible changing areas, accessible loos, and the "pod" swimming pool access system is being introduced soon (a way for mobility impaired swimmers to independently access the swimming pool). There's a cafe and shop area if you need refreshments or swimming bits and bobs.

Toilets

There's one of the best wet rooms and loo that I've ever seen. It's set out in a similar style to the Changing Places loos complete with hoist and changing facilties; as well as a shower. On our visit we managed to get five wheelchair users in the room at the same time to take a look! Other accessible toilets were avaialble in the changing areas and in the cafe area. For wheelchair users wanting to watch the swimming there were dedicated platforms.

Staff

Staff were very knowledgable about the requirements that disabled people may have in order to enjoy swimming or taking part as a spectator. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and they made the visit more enjoyable and were happy to answer questions and help where they could. Well done!

Anything else you wish to tell us?

One of the most thought out swimming facilities I have ever seen. So much so it becomes an attractive propostiion to make a repeat visit. The detail and thought into how to assist disabled swimmers was outstanding.