Modernised changing facilities with accessible cubicles specified for leisure centre refurbishment.

The project
Banchory Sports Village is a new state-of-the-art sports facility designed to improve the health and wellbeing of its members. The sports village enables the local community access to a range of leisure activities to suit the whole family, from swimming lessons and group exercise classes to multiple large sports halls.

The challenge
The £8.5 million investment welcomed a new leisure centre for residents to enjoy 7 days a week. The focus on health and fitness has increased the value of gyms, with over 10 million total gym memberships across the UK, representing a 3.9% rise compared to the previous year*. Figures indicate the importance of fitness and the need for adequate facilities that retain and attract new members.

The leisure centre required hardwearing and functional washroom solutions to withstand the constant flow of traffic it was set to receive. The centre’s previous washrooms did not have enough space for its members to utilise, so the new facilities needed to be modern, spacious, and inclusive for the whole community.

Accredited Installers T-IPS were tasked with specifying and installing fit-for-purpose toilet cubicle, washroom panelling, vanity unit and locker solutions suitable for the busy lesuire centre environment.

The solution
Versatile and robust Award cubicles were the perfect solution to offer a cost-effective, stylish washroom design that suited the requirements of the leisure centre. Changing areas featured accessible toilet, shower and changing cubicles with outward-opening doors to offer inclusive and spacious areas for all to use.

Award boasts a range of safety features that are an ideal addition to the centre’s washrooms to keep staff and members safe. Anti-finger trap hinges minimise the risk of crushed fingers, while emergency release indicator bolts allow rapid access to the locked cubicles in the event of an emergency.

The cubicles were specified in Solid Grade Laminate (SGL), a bacteria, moisture, and impact resistant material. SGL can withstand heavy usage and the demands of wet environments without impacting the material over time, which made it the perfect choice for these new leisure washrooms.

Banchory Sports Village also specified our Vepps (IPS) pre-plumbed panelling system for their WCs, urinals and wall panelling. Sanitaryware was handpicked from our range to suit the customer’s style and budget and then was pre-plumbed and tested at our manufacturing facility, enabling faster onsite installation to adhere to tight deadlines.

Vepps ensured duct spaces were secure to keep staff and visitors safe, while allowing easy ongoing maintenance thanks to its 90° linear bearing hinges.

With over 30 laminate colours to choose from, the client opted to incorporate a range of colours into their design. Not only did this differentiate the multiple changing areas available, but it also created a bright and fun space for its members.

Our popular SGL vanity units, in a CV1 profile with semi-recessed basins were installed throughout the centre, providing convenient handwash facilities that optimised the available space. Complementing SGL vanity access panels conceal and protect pipes from any potential damage or vandalism.

Baby change vanity units with an anti-roll edge were specified throughout the leisure centre’s washrooms, offering a much-needed space for members to safely change or tend to their babies. All the vanities were specified in SGL to ensure a hygienic environment would be easy to maintain without impacting the material over time.

To complete the washroom facilities, SGL lockers were specified. For a worry free experience, the wristband locker keys allow members to conveniently secure their keys on their wrists when exercising. The wristband colour added a pop of colour to complement the rest of the washroom design.

We are delighted to see our washroom systems installed across the leisure centre and delighted to hear how well the new facilities have been received by its staff and the members.

*Figures shown are from the ‘UK Fitness Industry Report 2023’.