KINGSTON Council has focused on accessibility and inclusivity in new plans for a new leisure centre in the town centre.

The Council carried out a three-phase consultation involving 54 stakeholders including Achieving for Children, Kingston Royals Swimming Club and Kingston University, to ensure the highest level of accessibility standards, a fun and friendly family environment and state of the art swimming facilities.

Mariza Jurgens, Charity Manager at Kingston Association for the Blind, said: "We are very enthusiastic regarding the new leisure centre and were delighted to be directly involved in the consultation with other organisations within the community.

"What is really important for people who are visually impaired is colour control, it is vital for there to be a variation in colour for the individual to easily navigate their way around an area or facility and we were assured that steps would be taken to implement these measures."

In response to research asking what people would like to see in the new community centre, 96% of respondents stressed competitive swimming and teaching pools.

The new centre will include a 25m pool with eight lanes, suitable for leisure and short course competitive swimming in addition to the 20m x 10m teaching pool.

The Council has opted not to include a new wave machine in proposed plans due to the limitations it would place on accessibility for users with disabilities.

An enhanced outdoor playground, a toddler pool with splash features and a clip and climb wall for all ages will all be included to maintain the new centre's fun and family friendly aspect.

Hana Majdisova is a Kingston resident and mother of two and lives within a five-minute walk of the site.

She said: My children learnt to swim at the Kingfisher pool and as a family we used it weekly for years.

"Its demolition in 2019 has had a real impact, especially for young people as there is very little for them to do in the local area. My 9-year-old son asks all the time if there will be a new pool"

She added: "Of course it will be good to have a new pool and sporting facilities but so long as it is not expensive. The Kingfisher was very affordable for families."

Kingston Council states that it is committed to create a genuinely accessible facility, including people of all socio-economic backgrounds.

The Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Andreas Kirsch said: "We are working with leading architects FaulknerBrowns to deliver a truly inclusive space, accessible for all, environmentally sustainable, and family and disabled friendly. It will also celebrate our borough's rich heritage and history.

"The new complex will help revitalise our town centre, making it a prime place to visit for culture, entertainment and leisure as well as shopping."

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