It has been a busy and exciting time on site as we move closer to opening a first in UK’s fully adapted fitness and leisure centre for disabled children and young people. With every visit on site, we can see more of the future centre appearing in front of us.
On the ground
Inside, the old floors have gone. Around 500 tonnes of material left the site and went for recycling. Foundations are being prepared, and the site is being levelled. Ceilings and many internal walls have come down and the space feels even bigger! Who thought this was even possible?
Outside, the team measured about 400 metres of fencing to secure and prepare the perimeter, making it a safe open space for our visitors to enjoy very soon. Busy bees all round.
How we are building
Our contractors are working hand in hand with the volunteers on our Property Committee to make sure the centre is fully accessible, sustainable and future proof. Every choice is guided by how families will use the spaces day to day.
Spaces that work for families
We are developing the designs for sensory rooms, soft play, a gym, therapy spaces and warm social areas. Families are shaping these plans with us through the dedicated volunteers on our Service Delivery Committee.
What is next?
Groundworks for the level access trampolines are due to begin soon. It is a small sentence for a very big milestone. It’s so important that people can roll themselves onto the trampolines without steps or hoists. So, we are digging a great big hole in the floor to install three large floor level trampolines with double height ceilings for plenty of bouncing space. We know how loved this space will be.
Thank you
None of this happens without you. To every family, fundraiser, volunteer and partner, thank you for helping turn plans into a place that will welcome everyone. We will keep sharing updates as the site transforms. Bring on the next milestone.
How you can help
If you’d like to be part of building the UK’s fully adapted fitness and leisure centre for disabled children and young people, there are lots of ways to get involved
very exciting! sorry if I’ve missed this, but where abouts in Bristol will this be? we are East Bristol and the majority of SEND groups etc seem to be based in the west – definite gap over here!
The site is based in Aust, by the Old Severn Bridge, North Bristol/South Gloucestershire way. We will be opening our doors next summer! Excited to be able to welcome you!