The National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde is the first UK residential sports centre of its kind - designed for inclusivity. It is a world class training facility for athletes at all levels of physical and sensory ability.
It is now one of the best inclusive training and competition venues in the UK… This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by working in partnership.
Janice Eaglesham, Scottish Disability Sport
Problem
Many athletes go beyond the normal powers of human endurance and suffering in search of the perfect performance. Too often, participants in disability sports have to go even further as they fight to overcome physical barriers to their access to training facilities.
Those barriers apply at all levels, from grassroots to the Paralympic Games and it’s this insight which led sportscotland to develop a clear brief for a £12million redevelopment of the National Sports Training Centre Inverclyde: to provide the UK’s first fully inclusive residential sport’s facility, which should allow for large teams of wheelchair users to be able to easily move around the building.
Solution
- The centre has been created with inclusivity in mind, for not only for athletes but also spectators, visitors and employees.
- Learning from others: Existing residential sports centres across the UK and Europe were studied to identify best practice and create a unique design.
- Collaboration: from the outset, sportscotland worked hard with partners across sport, education, local authorities and the local community to deliver an inclusive and inspiring national centre.
Wider corridors, door frames and communal areas now combine with lip and step-free transitions between spaces to offer ease of movement for everyone.
Seamless transitions throughout
Access routes between accommodation, ancillary areas and the indoor sports facilities are completely seamless. Four extra-large lifts service all floors, and are designed to continue operating in emergency situations.
Accommodation that exceeds expectations
Accommodation at Inverclyde extends beyond current DDA mobility access requirements. Extras include additional floor space and easy access en-suite shower facilities in every room. There are a number of adjoining rooms with hoists.
Adaptable, exceptional facilities
Our equipment and facilities have been designed and selected for ease of adaption to the different needs of individual athletes.
The gym provides Olympic-standard weight platforms, free weights, cardio machines and an indoor sprint track, as well as specially adapted equipment for wheelchair users.
Continuous improvement
The team at Inverclyde have put feedback and learning at the heart of the Centre’s ongoing growth and development. It is this that ensures they are able be responsive to the needs of a diverse range of groups and athletes.
Impact
Boccia Paralympian Scott McCowan has reflected on the impact for him and his team:
Normally when we are away from home training or competing, we have to adapt or ‘make do’... at Inverclyde all of our needs have been taken care of. Simple things like getting into bed or using the bathroom, which are normally a real challenge for us, have been made so much easier. It really is life-changing for us.
Feedback from industry experts, athletes, coaches and the care sector has been positive. The building was designed by Reiach and Hall Architects. The quality of the design has led to a number of design awards. Inverclyde has re-established its place as a significant centre for sport in Scotland.
Find out more
Boccia Paralympians Scott and Jamie McCowan are supported by their parents Gary and Linda, who play the role of ramp assistants. They share they experience of the Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in this video : #PlayingOurPart2018 The McCowans social edit - YouTube
Reiach and Hall Leisure