Hackney’s Britannia Leisure Centre opened in 2021. Part of the largest public sector investment in the area for a generation, the new leisure centre brought a state of the art sporting facility to the heart of the East End. At its heart, the project aimed to create an inclusive leisure centre for all, and to that end, not one but two Changing Places Toilets were included, installed by Astor Bannerman.
Developed by Hackney Council, the building boasts rooftop football pitches and tennis courts with panoramic views of London, two large swimming pools, a leisure pool with jets, a paddling pool, with play features, fitness studios, and a fab cafe and toilets that also serve Shoreditch Park.
Designed for all abilities, there are accessible changing areas, pool pods for wheelchair users and a pool with sensory and interactive light features.
The centre was designed by architects Faulkner Browns, and is operated by Better, the charitable social enterprise that runs Council leisure centres, with affordable prices for local people and discounted memberships for those on low incomes.
One Changing Places Toilet is located in the main public area by the cafe. See the location in the virtual tour. The other is positioned by the swimming pools to enable full use of the facilities by people with complex needs.
The Changing Places toilets include this equipment:
– ABW6-SP Height Adjustable Washbasin
– Peninsular Toilet
– Shower
Philip Glanville, Mayor of Hackney, said
“Britannia is a visible embodiment of our commitment to rebuild a fairer Hackney. It is a fantastic, state-of-the-art and truly inclusive building.”
What you will find at Britannia Leisure Centre
- A six-lane, 25m main swimming pool
- A sauna and steam room
- 20m x 10m training pool, a leisure pool with jets
- A paddling pool, leisure water for children and families, and water features
- A flume complete with interactive lights
- 4 squash courts
- 2 rooftop five-a-side pitches
- 2 tennis courts
- A fitness suite, group cycle zone and flexible studio spaces
- A cafe and a creche and soft play area
- Two Changing Places Toilets
ABOUT ASTOR BANNERMAN
Astor Bannerman offer the full range of products specified by Changing Places regulations, including fixed and mobile changing tables, hoists, height adjustable washbasins, toilets and accessories. We are always developing new products, and are proud to have developed the Astor Invincible, the first changing table designed specifically for Changing Places toilets.
ABOUT AVESO
The team at Aveso are passionate about Changing Places toilets. They have supported the official Changing Places campaign since 2013, and can provide free, expert advice on all aspects of the Changing Places planning and design process.