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Work begins at UK’s first fully accessible play centre for disabled children
A Bristol-based charity has taken a monumental step in creating the UK’s first fully accessible exercise and social centre for children with disabilities.
Gympanzees, the award-winning charity dedicated to providing inclusive leisure facilities for disabled children and young people, has officially begun construction on the facility.
The milestone was marked by founder and chief executive Stephanie Wheen, who struck the first hammer blow to demolish an old wall.
In 2023, the charity purchased the old Aust services site, near the M48 Severn Bridge, for £3.1 million with plans to transform it into the country’s first fully inclusive leisure facility.
Bristol-based charity Gympanzees is spearheading the UK’s first fully accessible exercise and social centre for children with disabilities
Founded by Stephanie Wheen, a former physiotherapist in Bristol, Gympanzees was founded in 2016 out of her personal experience with the lack of accessible exercise and play facilities for children with disabilities.
Speaking with Bristol24/7 last autumn, Wheen highlighted the ongoing gap in accessible leisure options for disabled children.
“Despite many fantastic charities doing great work, there is still a shortage of leisure facilities for disabled children and young people, both in Bristol and across society,” she said.
She also pointed out how this issue affects not only the children but their families. She said: “There are specific SEN sessions, but these are often scheduled at inconvenient times, usually focus on just one disability, and are typically only for the disabled child.
“Siblings are often left out, which leads to families becoming isolated as they struggle to find activities they can all enjoy together. We know that 72 per cent of parents with a disabled child suffer mental health challenges due to this isolation.”
In 2023, Gympanzees purchased the old Aust services site, near the M48 Severn Bridge, for £3.1 million with plans to transform it into the country’s first fully inclusive leisure facility
The new facility promises to revolutionise the way disabled children engage in physical activity and social experiences.
Scheduled for completion in June 2026, it will feature 11 inclusive rooms, including a horizontal climbing wall accessible to all, and a two-storey soft play area with a wheelchair lift.
The centre is designed to serve children with a wide range of needs—from those with severe physical disabilities to those with autism or ADHD—providing a fun, safe, and supportive space to be active.
So far, Gympanzees has raised £4.5 million toward its £8 million goal.
“It feels incredibly real now. We’re doing something that’s never been done before, and the centre is closer than ever,” said Stephanie Wheen, founder and chief executive of Gympanzees
This permanent site marks a significant step forward from the charity’s previous reliance on pop-up events around Bristol, which have been hugely popular, attracting over 28,000 visitors and providing specialist equipment to more than 2,800 families.
Stephanie Wheen expressed her excitement about the project: “It feels incredibly real now. We’re doing something that’s never been done before, and the centre is closer than ever.”
Families, like that of Conor, who has autism, are eagerly awaiting the facility’s completion, where children can thrive.
Michelle, Conor’s mum, said: “The new centre will be incredible for us. Conor loves Lego and has so much energy to burn, which is one of the reasons he loves Gympanzees.”
For the past five years, Gympanzees has hosted pop-up events for disabled children and their families during school holidays, welcoming over 21,000 visitors.
The new centre will offer a permanent, safe, and inclusive space for children with a variety of physical and developmental needs. It will feature ten specialised rooms and a community café, and the charity is now fundraising to complete the building’s refurbishment.
Oakland Construction has been appointed to carry out the first stage of building works. This phase will involve demolishing existing internal walls and ceilings on the ground floor of the former service station in Aust.
The new centre will offer a permanent, safe, and inclusive space for children with a variety of physical and developmental needs
“We can’t thank our funders, corporate partners, and the public enough for their support. We’ve had fantastic feedback on our services so far, but families deserve more than temporary pop-up events and remote support,” said Wheen.
“They need a place they can rely on year-round—somewhere that is welcoming, safe, fun, and that truly supports their health and well-being needs.”
To donate to Gympanzees play centre, visit www.gympanzees.org/appeal
All photos: Gympanzees
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