London 2012: Innovative design solution sought for Aquatics Centre pool lift

3/11/2009

The ODA is exploring options for an affordable alternative lift to those currently available on the market for disabled swimmers that will use the two 50m pools in the London 2012 Aquatics Centre after the Games.

Current solutions to access pools either prevent a full swimming lane being used for competitions or do not enable disabled swimmers to enter the pool independently or with minimal assistance.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said: “This is an opportunity for London 2012 to provide the UK design industry with another platform to demonstrate their creativity. It is a challenging brief but I’m confident the UK has the expertise to develop an innovative solution that could potentially benefit disabled swimmers across the world.”

The competition, which is being advertised on the online business dating agency for 2012 opportunities CompeteFor, is intended to help the market develop a new design that could become available to disabled swimmers across the world. The solution being sought could be used in existing pools that are currently inaccessible to disabled swimmers and be able to be stored during competition.

Tom Russell, LDA Group Director of Olympic Legacy, said: "The London Development Agency welcomes this innovative design competition which could potentially give disabled swimmers easier access to swimming pools across the world. It is important that we ensure full accessibility for local communities to be able to use and enjoy the Aquatics Centre's facilities beyond 2012. We look forward to looking at what the industry comes up with in terms of providing both a creative and an affordable solution that could leave an exciting legacy for the Aquatics Centre after the 2012 Games."

Sue Catton, National Director of Inclusive Fitness Initiative said: "The Olympic and Paralympic Games, provide us with the opportunity to take access for disabled people in sports facility to another level, setting precedents that centre around choice, dignity and excellence rather than minimum provision.  Access to swimming pools is a prime example of an access issue that has historically presented challenges, and any solution that adequately addresses this must be welcomed and encouraged."

Charles Johnston, Sport England's Property Director, said: "For the London 2012 Aquatic Centre to leave a truly lasting sporting legacy, it must be accessible to everyone. This design competition is an opportunity to innovate and find a design solution that could benefit not only users of the Aquatic Centre but could also be fitted at existing swimming pools across the country."

Measures already underway to ensure the Games are accessible to all include:

 ·         Integrating an inclusive spectator experience into the design of venues, and ensuring that all venues are being designed to excellent accessibility standards;

·         An Accessible Transport Strategy to enable as many as 23,000 people with mobility impairments to get to the Games using public transport;

·         Ensuring employment and training opportunities are advertised amongst minority communities and local people through our job brokerage scheme supported by Jobcentre Plus.  Already one in ten of those working in the park are in some form of training;

·         Through London 2012’s CompeteFor system, businesses of all sizes and locations across the UK have been encouraged to bid for contracts.  As a result, over two thirds of contractors are small and medium sized, and just under half are based outside of London.

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