Keeping fit for the future

Garrath Willshaw, Business Development Manager at HOPPE (UK), explains the things specifiers need to consider when choosing new door hardware for leisure centres. 

Leisure centres are part of the fabric of life, but the maintenance, safety and accessibility of these facilities is often taken for granted. Equipping such buildings to provide access for all requires knowledgeable design and planning. 

According to Sports England there are more than 2,000 public leisure centres in England, more than 800 of which have pools. In a bid to keep these vital resources open for public use, at the end of 2023 the government released £20 million in funding to help with the operational and maintenance costs. There are also almost 5,000 privately operated gyms in the UK, making up more than two-thirds of the country’s provision.  

Hardwearing designs 

Leisure centre users can range from families with young children to teenagers and older adults, school groups and sports clubs, individuals or groups with disabilities or special needs. Designing for such a wide range of users requires careful thought and consideration. Sports England has guidance for designing leisure facilities that includes sections on accessibility, swimming pools and combined leisure provision. The choice of door hardware is a key element of this design process and can significantly impact how customers and staff experience the building.  

A hard-wearing finish is key, such as HOPPE’s Resista range. Hardware should also look good and there are options available in a range of colours as well as polished or satin effect.  

A long surface guarantee, as well as a mechanical operation guarantee, is something specifiers should prioritise, especially for cash-strapped leisure centres. Choosing quality products will mean minimal maintenance and repair, resulting in lower lifetime costs. 

Clean and safe 

Good hygiene is a vital element of running a safe and successful leisure centre, and the right door hardware finish can help ensure customers stay safe and well.  

Polished stainless steel is a good choice from a hygiene perspective, being a smooth and easy to clean surface. Specifiers might also choose satin anodised aluminium or Nylon, as neither require specialist cleaning and they don’t easily harbour bacteria.   

For even more peace of mind, ironmongery products can be manufactured from materials with inbuilt antibacterial or anti-microbial properties, or covered with a special coating that will give similar protection. While these products can’t eliminate all germs, they do provide an additional level of protection and can help to maintain better hygiene standards.  

Accessible for all 

Everyone should be able to access and navigate a building safely, and BS 8300:2:2018 is a definitive source of authoritative recommendations on inclusive and accessible building design. PAS 6463 is a guide to help the design of inclusive spaces for neurodivergent groups who can find certain environments uncomfortable on a sensory level. Meanwhile, The Inclusive Design Overlay provides insights, knowledge and best-practice guidance for every stage of a project. 

Handles within a leisure centre must withstand frequent use and comply with accessibility requirements, with the finish also playing an important part. It is a requirement of Approved Document M that door opening furniture on manually operated doors should visually contrast with the surface of the door. Nylon ranges are often available in all primary colours, as well as black and white, to provide a stark contrast against any door design, while also complementing the interior design of the building. A wide-ranging colour palette can also help members of the public find their way around the leisure centre.  

Ironmongery for swimming pools 

Leisure centres often include warm, humid environments and, when specifying ironmongery for gyms, pools, showers and changing rooms, Nylon is a great choice as it doesn’t corrode with chlorine. Coordinating accessories including signage, hooks, finger plates and pull handles are also available to match.  

Good hardware design can help make leisure centres welcoming, accessible and safe for all. Choosing the right finish is an essential part of this mix and long-lasting, cost-effective solutions will help ensure these facilities remain fit for the future.  

www.hoppe.com/gb-en