Overview

This is a leisure centre in Edinburgh that is split over three levels. It is just about wheelchair accessible, with lift access to the top floor, but is really quite cramped inside.

Transport & Parking

There were wheelchair spaces available directly outside the centre. You are required to go to the front of the building to get level access though via a dropped kerb as there is a kerb in front of most of the spaces.

Access

Getting in and out of the centre was simple enough, but once inside the centre it could be difficult to manoeuvre around. To get to the downstairs area (swimming and sports hall), there is a ramp which was steeper than expected. I struggled to get up it in my manual wheelchair without assistance. The entrance to this ramp wasn’t obvious to me at first. To get to the upstairs (gym), there is a lift to use, but you are required to get the key from reception as it isn’t readily available for public use.

Toilets

The downstairs accessible loo was spacious, had an adult sized changing loo and also had 2 different heights for coat hangers. I like the coat hanger feature as it shows they have made a real effort to think through the real needs of wheelchair users or those of short stature.

Staff

The reception staff, cafe staff and customer service advisor were fantastic throughout our visit. They showed that although the venue had some areas that weren’t ideal, the staff could help make the experience a really enjoyable one.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There is a sauna and steam room which are both accessible (to a point). They are just a short walk from pool side with a ramp available for use. The reception area seems very “busy” with lots of distractions and different pieces of furniture and fixture layouts. It could be quite difficult for someone with a visual impairment to navigate.

Photos