Major upgrades will soon commence at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) to enable increased participation and more active recreation opportunities for people with disability and accessibility needs.
The project will deliver new Changing Places facilities, additional accessible and family friendly change rooms, and a range of broader accessibility improvements throughout the centre. These works will help ensure that BALC continues to support active recreation for all members of the Ballarat community.
Works will begin in April 2026 and will be delivered by experienced Changing Places contractor URBN. Construction will follow a staged approach to minimise disruptions for patrons.
The project has received more than $748,000 in funding from the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, along with a more than $449,000 contribution from the City of Ballarat.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the upgrades will significantly strengthen access to one of Ballarat’s most popular community facilities.
“BALC welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and it is vital that our facilities match the needs of the people who use them,” she said.
“These works will help ensure that BALC remains a community space that is comfortable and supportive for all.
“The Changing Places and All Abilities Upgrades project reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to creating environments that enable all people to participate fully in active recreation. We thank the Victorian Government for their support in delivering these meaningful improvements at BALC.”
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said the upgrades will help ensure greater access to active recreation programs for the broader community.
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to partner with City of Ballarat to deliver these game changing accessible facilities at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre” she said.
“The all abilities upgrades will ensure even more locals can reap the benefits of an active lifestyle and participate in an even wider range of aquatic activities.”
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the upgrades will help remove barriers for individuals and families visiting the much loved Ballarat facility.
“The upgraded Changing Places facilities and broader accessibility improvements at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will help ensure swimmers with a disability, as well as their families and carers, can fully participate in local recreation” she said.
Upgrades at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre will include:
- Two Changing Places facilities (one with hoist and direct pool access).
- One Accessible Adult Change facility.
- Conversion of two existing change rooms into accessible, friendly family change rooms.
- Refresh of existing accessible and family change rooms with new automatic sliding doors.
- New automatic sliding doors to all group fitness studios and the health club.
- New automated push?button swing door between the pool deck and the café.
- Installation of automated gates with wider entry points to replace turnstile at the front entrance.
The BALC Changing Places and All Abilities Upgrades project is supported by the Victorian Government.
What are Changing Places?
Changing Places facilities are larger than standard accessible toilets and include additional features such as a tracking hoist and extra space for two or more carers. These features allow people with high support needs to use bathroom facilities safely, comfortably and with dignity.
The Changing Places movement originated in the United Kingdom in 2006 and has since expanded internationally. The first Australian Changing Place opened in Victoria in 2014.
All Abilities Participation Initiative
With a $50,000 State Government grant, BALC will lead an All Abilities Participation Initiative. The City of Ballarat will partner with local organisations and people with lived experience to deliver inclusive programs and practices once the infrastructure upgrades are complete.
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