Updated design for Port Kembla Pool Amenities Access Upgrade

As part of our commitment to improve access and inclusion at our pools and beaches, we recently asked the community for feedback on plans to build an Accessible Adult Change Facility (AACF) within the Port Kembla Pool Amenities. An AACF is a toilet and change facility for users with high support needs and their carers where they require additional space, assistance and specialised equipment to allow them to use toilets safely and comfortably. The original design changed the layout of the amenities using part of the space currently within the men’s toilets and change room.

While the AACF received support, we’ve had some feedback about the impact the proposed location would have for users of the men’s amenities. We’ve listened and have redesigned the plan in response to community feedback.

The AACF will now be distributed evenly between the men’s and women’s change rooms with a minimal loss of area, about 10%, for each. This means about one third of the current bench space will need to be removed in both the men’s and women’s amenities, reducing the impact on users of the men’s facility. The new design also includes new showers for both the men’s and women’s amenities and replacing the two accessible amenities. The new layout also improves the circulation space of the AACF as it will be a stand-alone facility rather than having the cleaners’ room sharing the space. Take a look a the new design.

At this stage works are scheduled for the off-peak season in 2021. While both the male and female facilities will be closed during the construction period, we’ll have temporary amenities available and the kiosk will remain operational.

This project is jointly funded by the Federal Government Local Roads & Community Infrastructure Fund and Wollongong City Council.