Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre (BALC) Changing Places and All Abilities Upgrades

The City of Ballarat is upgrading the BALC facilities to enable increased participation and more active recreation opportunities for people with disability, and accessibility needs. 

The project will see BALC receive an upgrade including Changing Places facilities and other accessible and sensory friendly change rooms, along with additional improved accessibility upgrades. As part of this project $50,000 of the funds have been allocated to an All Abilities Participation Initiative whereby the City of Ballarat will partner with local organisations and people with lived experience to deliver accessible programming and practices at BALC. 

A Changing Place facility is beyond the Building Code of Australia minimum requirements for accessible toilets. Changing Place facilities are more spacious than standard accessible toilets, offering extra features and plenty of room to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities and their carers. Changing Places enable people with high support needs to fully participate in all aspects of community life, without reducing their time out. 

These accessibility upgrades, due for completion by Mid – Late 2026, will further enhance BALC’s reputation as being a centre for everyone. All ages, all abilities and all stages.

The City of Ballarat understands the important role the BALC has in serving the community. During these works it is intended that the centre will remain open and accessible, keeping any potential disruptions to a minimum.

Changing Places

• Two Changing Places facilities
• Three Accessible and Sensory Friendly change rooms
• An upgrade to automatic sliding doors for other accessible change rooms, group fitness studios, health club, and café ramp
• Installation of automatic entry gates to replace existing turnstiles

Investment secured: $997,000

Victorian Government: $748,00 via the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund
City of Ballarat: $249,000