Disabled pool access redesigned as early legacy of London 2012 Games

Endorsed by London 2012 Paralympic swimmer Susie Rodgers, Poolpod was launched today at Mile End Park Leisure Centre, Tower Hamlets, where it has been trialled.

Poolpod is the result of a design competition run by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and supported by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The submersible and mobile pool platform removes the need for a hoist or swing, so that less mobile people can remain standing as they enter the water, while a submersible wheelchair allows users to transfer from their own wheelchair in the privacy of the changing room. Its design allows it to be used at any pool.

British Swimming has bought seven Poolpods, which are being installed in a trial scheme across England. One of the first will go to Stoke Mandeville Stadium – the spiritual home of the Paralympic Games and the UK's national centre for disability sport. A permanent Poolpod will also be fitted in the Aquatics Centre following its transformation after the Games.

At the launch, triple bronze medallist Susie Rodgers said: ‘London 2012 was fantastic for raising awareness of disabled sport and the introduction of the Poolpod will add towards the legacy of the Games by improving access to the water for everyone in a sport I owe so much to.’

Dennis Hone, Chief Executive of the ODA and LLDC, said: ‘Using the power of the Games, we have introduced a step change in making swimming pools more accessible. Through challenging companies to design a better, more independent way of getting people into the water, this excellent new system clearly demonstrates the legacy value ODA has built into all aspects of London 2012, in expanding future sporting and leisure participation and delivering opportunities for jobs and growth to UK-based businesses. I am delighted that the Poolpod can be use in the Aquatics Centre.’