Features
- Free on-site parking with 11 blue badge bays close to the main entrance, and 8 blue badge bays close to the 4G pitches
- There is sloped access from the accessible car parking spaces to a step free entrance, which briefly becomes steep and may be challenging for some
unassisted manual wheelchair users - Automatic entrance/exit doors
- Split level reception counter
- Reception staff can provide pen and paper on request to aid communication if required. There is no hearing loop at the present time, but receptionists are trained in basic D/deaf awareness.
- There are turnstiles or a staff-operated security gate to access the centre from the reception area
- There is wheelchair access throughout the building
- Assistance dogs accommodated in the office if required
- There is clear signage throughout the building and staff are happy to assist with navigation if required
- Accessible toilets are available (ground floor near vending machines, and first floor near the stairwell). We are a stoma-friendly site and all our accessible toilets comply with guidance around stoma-friendly facilities
- A Changing Places facility including toilet, height adjustable changing bed, height adjustable sink, shower, privacy screen and a H track ceiling hoist, is located outside the sports hall. Access is via a radar key, and a key can be borrowed from reception if required
- An accessible changing room (including toilet, adjustable bed, accessible shower and shower chair) is located in the pool change area on the ground floor, and a mobile hoist is available on request. The dry change area on the first floor outside the dance studio has an accessible change area including toilet, accessible shower and shower chair
- Pool hoist access is available using a sling and spreader bar or the pool-dipper pool chair (maximum user weight 135kgs [22st])
- Leisure attendants are happy to assist wheelchair users who require the pool hoist, but individuals need to provide their own slings for entry into the pool if they need sling hoisting rather than using the pool-dipper pool chair. Advance notice is not required but can be helpful
- There is lift access to the first floor. The lift doors are 88cm wide, and internal dimensions are 106cm W by 140cm D. This means that you cannot turn most wheelchairs in the lift, so you need to be able to reverse out. Several wheelchairs at a time can be safely accommodated on the first floor through provision of evacuation chairs and refuge points
- Some gym equipment is tightly spaced but staff are happy to move equipment where possible, to facilitate safe transfer if required
- Double doors facilitate access to the sports hall for individuals using a sports or wider powered or manual wheelchair
- Fold-down shower seats are available in all changing areas including those for the outdoor 4G pitches
- Essential carers accompanying an individual to enable them to access our services are not charged for entry, as long as they are supporting the individual throughout rather than following their own exercise programme. A carer who wishes to participate in their own exercise programme or in a class alongside the person they support is very welcome, but normal charges will apply
- The Your Card Extra scheme offers discounts for individuals with disabilities and for unpaid carers, older adults and those on restricted income