The historic Swindon Health Hydro is back. Reopened on 19 January 2026 after an extensive restoration, this iconic leisure destination on Milton Road blends Victorian heritage with modern wellbeing facilities.
Originally built in 1891–92 for the workers of the Great Western Railway’s Medical Fund Society, the Grade II* listed building has been lovingly restored after years of careful planning and community input – complete with swimming baths, Turkish and Russian baths, washing facilities, and even medical services.
Located just steps from Swindon town centre, the Health Hydro now offers refreshed swimming, fitness, and community spaces — providing a welcoming hub for residents and visitors alike.
Why the Changing Places Facility Matters
At the heart of the recent redevelopment is a fully compliant Changing Places facility, designed to deliver dignity, space, and specialist support for people with complex needs. Unlike standard accessible toilets, Changing Places rooms provide extra space, specialist equipment, and thoughtful design to meet the needs of users and their carers — ensuring truly inclusive access to leisure and wellbeing.
In a historic building like the Health Hydro — where heritage and community converge — inclusive facilities like Changing Places demonstrate that accessibility is a core part of modern leisure design, not an afterthought.
What’s Inside: Our Specification
Within the Changing Places room at Swindon Health Hydro, we installed:
- Astor CTX2-CP Changing Table — ergonomic changing surface with robust support
- Astor ABW-CP Wash Basin — accessible basin designed for ease of use by carers and users alike
- Astor OT200 Ceiling Hoist — smooth and secure transfer between areas of the room
- Kwickscreen — flexible privacy screening
- HEWI Grab Rails — high-quality support rails for safety and independence
The facility also features clear signage, wide-access doors, slip-resistant flooring, and an alarm system, ensuring it is safe, functional, and welcoming for all.
Blending Heritage with Modern Inclusion
Swindon Health Hydro embodies both heritage and regeneration. As one of the region’s most historically significant leisure venues — and a rare surviving Victorian pool complex — the Hydro offers not just a place to swim and stay fit, but a sense of connection to Swindon’s past.
By integrating a high-quality Changing Places facility as part of the refurbishment, Astor Bannerman ensures that people with disabilities or complex support needs are fully included in the Hydro’s future. Inclusive design elevates the user experience for everyone and reflects contemporary expectations for public buildings.
Building for the Future
The restoration of the Health Hydro has been delivered in phases, with careful attention given to preserving historic features while upgrading facilities for modern use.
Early investment has revitalised key spaces including changing rooms, the gym area, and poolside facilities. Future phases will continue to enhance the Hydro’s main pool hall and other heritage spaces as funding becomes available.
Get In Touch
If you’re planning or retrofitting a facility and want to prioritise inclusivity, we’d love to help. Whether you’re an architect, developer, local authority, or access consultant, our team can support you through specification, installation, commissioning, and more.
Contact us to book a free CPD session or for expert advice on Changing Places and hygiene room design.
