How thoughtful accessibility consulting helped create a community hub that everyone can dive into – poolside.
Written by: Diana Iezzi, Access Consultant
The newly redeveloped Carnegie Swim Centre in the City of Glen Eira is a vibrant, year-round aquatic and community facility designed to serve a diverse and growing population. Architecture & Access was proud to be engaged as the accessibility consultants for this landmark project, working alongside CO-OP Studio and the broader project team to ensure the centre is inclusive, functional, and welcoming for all.
A Community-Centred Vision
The redevelopment includes a heated outdoor 50m pool, indoor warm water and 25m pools, accessible change rooms, a Changing Places facility, fitness and community rooms, and a café and social space. From the outset, accessibility was a core design priority—ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the facility with dignity and ease.
Our Role and Services
Architecture & Access provided comprehensive access consultancy services across all project phases—from concept design through to construction completion. Our involvement included:
- Design Reviews at concept, schematic, design development, and tender stages to identify access issues and enhance usability.
- Detailed reporting and mark-ups to guide the design team in meeting the requirements of the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010, the National Construction Code (NCC), and relevant Australian Standards.
- Luminance contrast testing of key finishes and materials to support visual accessibility.
- Construction phase advice, including correspondence to support the builder and design team during delivery.
- Statement of Construction Acceptance, confirming that the completed facility met all relevant accessibility benchmarks.
Delivering Inclusive Outcomes
Our collaborative approach ensured that accessibility was embedded in every decision—from the placement of fixtures and fittings to the design of circulation spaces and signage.
The Carnegie Swim Centre now stands as a model of inclusive design—supporting health, wellbeing, and community connection for all users. Our work on this project reflects our broader mission: to help create environments that are not only compliant, but truly accessible, adaptable, and empowering.
Image descriptions:
- Image 1. Ramp access into pool – Showcases a swimming pool ramp which provides a safe and gradual entry into water for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, children or elderly swimmers and carers assisting others into the pool.
In accordance with Australian Standards the pool ramp is provided with handrails to both sides of the ramp with kerb rails and a landing to the base of the ramp providing dignified accessible pool entry. - Image 2. Paths of travel
- Non-slip surfaces have been provided to prevent slips when wet and level changes between abutting paving materials are kept to a minimum to eliminate tripping hazards.
- Pathways are unobstructed and wide enough to allow for easy movement for all in particular for those using mobility aids.
- Adequate lighting around the external pool areas provides visibility and safety at night.
Photography by: Tom Roe Photography
