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Facilities: Change it up – lockers
What to do when your changing rooms need a refresh, but your budget is stretched? These specialists share their top tips for easy upgrades that won’t break the bank
Some cubs are switching to electronic locker security, with sophisticated control systems available in several formats to manage access to discrete areas.
Security management is too often a thorn in the side of club managers, who have to handle the aftermath of lost or mislaid locker keys, so I see the sense of switching to keyless systems for that reason alone.
More complex security solutions can risk other issues though, so I always ensure clubs are conversant with the technology and they’re sure the move to electronic is the right one for them.
A good first step from traditional is to digital electronic keypad locks, which are reliable and competitively priced.
For 20 years, we’ve supplied lockers to the fitness and spa sectors, however, current conditions spell major challenges for operators, manufacturers and installers. Supply issues, shipment delays, rising timber prices and inflation herald a potentially stormy period ahead.
We can adapt locker styles, sizes and materials to fit any budget, as every job we handle is made to order – nothing is ‘standard’. But with costs rising across the board, the message to operators has to be ‘commit now to bake in prices’.
The changing room is the first place members see after the reception area, and the last place before leaving, so make sure they’re equal to – and complement – the rest of the facilities.
In times of economic uncertainty, leisure operators are understandably cautious when it comes to allocation of capital expenditure, so if you’re considering a refresh of your changing rooms, but you’re unsure if now’s the right time, then consider giving them an interim facelift.
A good way to do this is to change the existing key locks – you could upgrade to a coinless mechanism for a more convenient alternative. Replacing the locker doors or panels can also improve the look immensely.
Upgrading your lockers rather than replacing them is not only the cheaper option, it’s also more environmentally friendly and reduces your carbon footprint.
A refurbishment is not only an opportunity to freshen up the facilities, it’s also an opportunity to create changing rooms that will eliminate existing operating issues and provide an environment your members will enjoy for years.
LED lighting around the tops of lockers or skirting can really make an impact, and bring a dull changing room to life for even the lowest budget, while new vanity units with integrated LED lighting can also add impact to a changing room for a relatively low outlay, along with re-upholstered benching for a high-end feel.
There are also some attractive locking systems on the market such as digital keypad or proximity locks. These offer a good solution in dressing up an old locker door, along with new locker numbers and handles.
It’s also possible to spruce up tired lockers without breaking the bank, although, a ‘cheap’ locker refurb can be a costly waste of time and money and not the quick win you’d planned, so proceed with caution.
Some operators have explored vinyl wrapping locker doors, which can prove more cost-effective than changing the doors completely. There’s a huge range of finishes available, but it doesn’t come without risk, so be cautious if considering this option.
The doors may appear shiny and new, but if the carcasses are battered, customers will know immediately when they open the door that corners have been cut.
We’re often asked to replace doors as a cheaper alternative to replacing the entire locker, but if we survey the site and the carcasses are old and damaged we highlight the issues – after doors have been replaced, screw holes can be left showing in the carcasses from old hinges and getting a solid fix into an old carcass can be difficult, so be realistic about what’s possible.
The full-scale refurbishment of changing areas isn’t always feasible. Budget constraints, available space and timescales all need to be considered when exploring options.
However, there are smart ways in which clubs can refresh without a full renovation.
If the aim is to upgrade a changing room’s look and feel or refresh it in line with a facility rebrand, the focus should be on changing the visible features to make an impact.
Check to see what can be re-used – locker carcasses, infills, and bench supports and frames are often durable enough to be retained, saving time and money, and these elements often go unnoticed by members, so retaining them will make little difference to the end result.
New bench tops and locker doors are a popular way to freshen up your changing rooms, while installing digital or combination locks not only contributes to an upgraded look and feel but can also improve the user experience.
Internally cladding changing room cubicles is a simple effective way of refreshing the space while keeping the existing structure. This can also be done to match upgrades elsewhere, so the new design is carried throughout the space.
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