Frequently Asked Questions
Why change the current separate male / female changing to a changing village
The swimming pool changing rooms has been one area of customer dissatisfaction for a number of years. Feedback from customers has focused on the following issues:
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Poor provision for people with a disability
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Adult carers wanting their children to change with them
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Poor standards of cleanliness
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Safety of customers especially children
The new design of changing area addresses these areas of concern.
Will there be cubicles?
Yes, everyone will get undressed / dressed in either an individual cubicle, family cubicle, family changing room or a group changing room.
Will I still be able to have a shower in private?
Yes, there will be individual shower cubicles with doors (on plans these are titled post swim showers). No one will be allowed to be undressed outside of a shower cubicle.
Why are there poolside showers?
Everyone is expected to shower prior to entering the pool. This is to improve hygiene and cleanliness and reduce the amount of chemicals we need to use in the pool. These showers are positioned for ease of use at poolside and can also be used on leaving the pool.
Will there be baby changing facilities?
Yes, drop down tables will be available in the family changing rooms.
Will there be a buggy / wheelchair park near the pool?
Yes, there will be areas allocated.
Will there be accessible cubicles, showers and toilets?
Yes, we aim to exceed disability legislation in all aspects of the Building an Active Future programme. We will be installing as many Changing Spaces toilets as possible.
How has safety been improved within the changing areas?
The changing area will be open to the poolside therefore in view by both staff and customers. The design has avoided any blind spots.
How will the lockers operate?
We are currently looking into the design of lockers to ensure they are easy to use and maintain. We are aiming to offer different sizes of lockers too.
Will there be hydrotherapy facilities available?
The learning pool at the Blaydon site will have the ability to operate at hydrotherapy temperatures which will compliment the services at the Primary Care Centre.
Will facilities close during the building process?
Yes, facilities will close during the building process. It is the intention to keep Blaydon and Felling Pools open until the new leisure facilities in those areas are complete.
Will activities take place elsewhere?
Yes, initial planning is starting to look at transferring as much of the activity programme for a facility to other locations. Once the building programme has been finalised further information will be made available, however the aim is to provide as many of our activities as possible for our customers.
Will prices increase to pay for this investment?
This investment is not being funded by price increases. We will maintain our pricing philosophy and annual review of prices.
What about the increased traffic along High Lanes in Heworth?
This issue has been considered within the Traffic Impact Assessment that is conducted for the planning application.
What about the increased traffic along Shibdon Road in Blaydon?
This issue has been considered within the Traffic Impact Assessment that is conducted for the planning application.