At a Glance
- Brand-new Poolpod 3 lift now installed and in use
- Funded by Rochford District Council, Sport England, National Lottery and Active Essex
- Fully self-operated system boosting independence for users
- Changing Places facilities scheduled for 2026
- Costs are £45k plus £40k for Changing Places facilities
- Upgrades aimed at improving dignity, safety and inclusion for residents
Clements Hall Leisure Centre has taken an important step forward in improving accessibility with the installation of the brand-new Poolpod 3 lift at the main swimming pool. The new feature, funded through Rochford District Council in partnership with Sport England, the National Lottery and Active Essex’s Places and Spaces programme, is already in use and benefiting local residents.
After seeing the Poolpod in action today, it is clear how much difference this technology will make. The system can be fully self-operated, giving users greater independence, and is designed so that two people can travel together. This means a wheelchair user and their carer can access the pool simultaneously, allowing for safer, more comfortable and more dignified use of the facilities.
This investment reflects a shared commitment to making Clements Hall more inclusive for vulnerable residents, those with mobility challenges and wheelchair users. It also marks the beginning of further improvements planned for the centre.
Thanks to secured accessibility funding, Clements Hall is preparing for the installation of full Changing Places facilities in 2026 an upgrade long championed by the previous administration as essential for meeting the needs of local families and carers, with costs at £45k plus £40k for Changing Places facilities. One of the key stakeholder groups eagerly awaiting the upgrade said they “can’t wait” for the full-size changing bed and facilities to be built.
Cllr Julie Gooding, Ward Councillor for Hawkwell West, said:
“The introduction of the Poolpod is a fantastic milestone for accessibility at Clements Hall, and I’m delighted that funding has now been secured for the installation of full Changing Places facilities next year. These improvements will make a real difference to families, carers and some of our most vulnerable residents. A modernised, fully accessible changing environment is long overdue, and its arrival will be transformational for those who rely on it.”
While the installation process will be significant, it will also provide the opportunity for a much-needed facelift to the wider changing areas something many members have requested for years. The enhanced accessibility offered by the Changing Places unit will be, as many have described, “the icing on the cake.”
The Forget Me Not Caring Group welcomed the commitment to accessibility, saying:
“It really will, and there will be a lot of happy people when it’s done.”
Forget Me Not Caring Stakeholders added,
“well done for getting this backed, I know it was a lot of work! Can’t wait for the next steps for the beds and hoists in changing rooms. It will open up a whole new world for a lot of the individuals and families we support”.
This is why we do what we do- making a difference!
These upgrades represent meaningful progress for Clements Hall and will ensure that more residents can continue to enjoy local leisure services with comfort, independence and dignity.