Designed for everyone
Last modified on 14 July 2026
At Willoughby Leisure Centre, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy moving, swimming, exercising and connecting with their community. That's why accessibility has been considered at every stage of the Centre's redevelopment, creating a welcoming environment where people of all ages and abilities can feel comfortable and confident.
Built to universal design standards, the Centre has been thoughtfully planned to remove barriers and provide greater independence for visitors. Whether you're visiting for a swim, a workout, family fun or simply to relax, our goal is to make every visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Accessible facilities throughout the Centre
From the moment you arrive, you'll find features designed to improve access and comfort. Accessible parking spaces are located close to the main entrance, while step-free pathways, automatic doors and accessible entry gates help make entering the Centre straightforward for everyone.
Inside, visitors can move comfortably between levels using a lift connecting the entry level with the aquatic areas. Most pools can be reached via ramps, while a hydraulic pool lift provides safe and supported access into the pools and spa for people with limited mobility.
The Centre also includes accessible toilets and change rooms, ensuring visitors have convenient facilities throughout their visit.
A dedicated Changing Places facility
One of the Centre's most significant accessibility features is its dedicated Changing Places facility.
Designed for people with high support needs, this specialised space includes:
- Adult-sized change table
- Ceiling hoist
- Accessible toilet
Changing Places facilities provide essential amenities that go beyond standard accessible bathrooms, enabling many people and their carers to enjoy community facilities with greater dignity, comfort and confidence.
Easy to navigate
Finding your way around the Centre has also been carefully considered.
Enhanced wayfinding throughout the building helps visitors navigate the various spaces, while tactile ground surface indicators assist people who are blind or have low vision.
Wheelchair-accessible spectator areas also ensure family members and friends can comfortably enjoy competitions, lessons and events.
Supporting different sensory needs
We understand that leisure centres can sometimes be busy environments. Bright lighting, echoes, large crowds and activity around the pools can be overstimulating for people with sensory sensitivities.
To help visitors prepare for their visit, we encourage anyone who may experience sensory processing sensitivities to:
- Familiarise themselves with the Centre before attending.
- Bring personal supports such as noise-cancelling headphones or comfort items.
- Let us know in advance if you require additional assistance or support.
Our team is committed to creating a welcoming environment and will always do their best to help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
A community for everyone
Whether you're living with a disability or coming to the facility as a carer, our friendly team is here to support you.
We know every visitor is different, and we're committed to continually improving how we welcome and support our community.
Should you have any feedback or require assistance at the Centre, please reach out to our team. You can also provide feedback.