Accessibility, incllusion and affordability
What consideration has there been for the needs of disabled people?
The council has worked closely with disabled residents, families and sports groups throughout. This work has taken place in collaboration with organisations including Possibility People, the Sussex Sight Loss Council and the Dolphins Disabled Swimming Club, together with the council’s own equalities and inclusion team. Â
Engagement has also included focus groups with disabled residents, onsite conversations with sports clubs, and a detailed simulation walk led by people with visual impairments. Their insights have directly shaped circulation routes, signage, arrival points and room layouts. Â
What the centre includes
The new centre includes:
- a centrally located Changing Places facility
- clear wayfinding
- blue badge parking beside the lift core
- walk in steps for both pools
- PoolPods for independent, dignified access
- direct access internally into the leisure centre from the car park - avoiding the need to access via outside.
Image Credit – Cotenda Ltd
How will the coucil make the new facility affordable and accessible for local people, many of whom have been hit hard by the current cost of living crisis?
Promoting economic and social inclusion, health, and civic pride is one of the 5 key themes (‘a fair city’) that make up our economic strategy for Brighton and Hove.
We’ll be working hard to make sure that residents from all of our local communities can access and benefit from the new facilities that we’ll be delivering.
We’ll be considering options including pay and play, the Leisure Card scheme, and other targeted programmes that provide access to free and low-cost opportunities to make our facilities as accessible and affordable as possible.