How Large Do Changing Rooms Need to Be?

Optimising Space for Comfort, Compliance, & Practicality in Leisure Environments

When planning a new leisure centre or refurbishing existing facilities, one of the most frequently asked, and important, questions we hear is: how big do changing rooms need to be?

While there’s no single universal answer, getting it right is crucial. The size and layout of changing rooms directly affect user comfort, accessibility, and safety — and ultimately, your reputation as a leisure provider. As specialists in leisure sector, TBS Amwell provides bespoke washroom and changing room solutions to help you maximise space efficiently - while enhancing both functionality and user experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Typical changing room space allowances per user
  • UK regulations and accessibility guidelines
  • Recommended dimensions for lockers, cubicles, and benches
  • Practical planning tips to help you build better changing spaces

Typical Sizes for Changing Rooms

While there’s no single “standard” size for all changing rooms, guidance and best practice typically suggest the following considerations:

General Space Allowances (Per User)

According to Sport England's Design Guidance Notes for leisure facilities (a trusted source for architects and planners):

  • Dry changing rooms should allow 1.8 - 2.5m² per user.
  • Wet changing rooms (e.g., swimming pool changing) require more space, typically 2.5 - 4m² per user, to accommodate lockers, benches, and circulation space safely.

For illustration:

Facility Type

Space Per User (m²)

Key Considerations

Dry Changing Room

1.8 – 2.5

Lockers, benches, privacy cubicles

Wet Changing Room 

2.5 – 4.0

Impervious materials,non-slip floors, increased circulation space

These figures ensure users have sufficient space to change in comfort without feeling crowded - crucial for both safety and hygiene.

Bear these figures in mind when designing your facility. If you’re expecting high traffic through your leisure washroom space, then ensure each user has their respective space for privacy and safety. It’s simple supply and demand.

Compliance & Accessibility in Changing Rooms

Regulations to Consider in the UK

  • BS 8300:2018 (Design of Buildings for Disabled People) outlines detailed requirements for inclusive changing facilities.
  • Building Regulations Part M focuses on accessible and inclusive design.
  • Sport England Guidance highlighted above provides sector-specific advice for optimal design and space allocation.

Accessible Changing Facilities

  • At least one accessible changing room facility is required for leisure buildings.
  • Accessible changing rooms should offer 1,500mm clear turning circles, appropriately sized cubicles, and benching at suitable heights for physically impaired or senior customers.

Our Splash changing cubicle range and Aquabench systems are are designed to meet these accessibility standards while maintaining durability and style — and can be tailored to suit your unique space.

Breaking Down the Changing Room: Key Components & Sizes

To ensure your leisure washroom functions smoothly, it’s important to understand how each element contributes to the overall layout and space planning.

It’s important to note, these are recommendations we would suggest and it’s always best to consult with us or another manufacturer before beginning installation.

Toilet & Changing Room Cubicles

  • Standard cubicles: 800-900mm wide x 1500-1800mm deep
  • Accessible cubicles: Minimum 1500mm wide x 2200mm deep (Part M compliant)
  • Showers: 900mm x 900mm typically; more generous for wet environments

Lockers

  • Standard footprint per locker: 300mm-400mm wide x 450mm-500mm deep per locker
  • Height: Options from single-tier (full length) to four-tier (compact personal storage)

Our Aquasafe SGL lockers are supplied in modular sizes with moisture-resistant storage that fits seamlessly into space-efficient designs.

Benching

  • Recommended spacing: Allow 600mm per user for benches.
  • Benches should be positioned with at least 1,000mm clearance for easy circulation.

Vanity Units & Mirrors

Practical Space Planning Tips for Optimal Changing Rooms:

Use Bespoke Products

TBS Amwell offers bespoke washroom products for the leisure sector that can be adapted to work within awkward or restricted spaces, helping you maximise every square metre without compromising durability or aesthetics.

Find out how Enhancing User Experience in Leisure Centre Washrooms and Changing Rooms can impact your washroom layut and planning.

Why Choose TBS Amwell?

With decades of experience in leisure sector washrooms, we understand how to balance regulations, aesthetics, and user expectations. Our expert, tailored approach means you’ll never have to compromise on space or style.

Need expert guidance on your changing room project? Contact us today for a free consultation with our leisure specialist. You can reach us through our contact page, telephone: 01763 276210 or email: [email protected]