Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a library, children's library, a café, community rooms, toilets and changing places facilities.
Opening Times
- Monday 09:00 - 16:00.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 16:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 16:00.
- Friday 09:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday 09:00 - 13:00.
- Sunday Closed.
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Comments
View
- This venue is closed on weekends.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Hartlepool Rail Station.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Public Car Parks
View
- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Westside Car Park.
- The car park is located just of Villers Street.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
- The Blue Badge markings are very faded.
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 345cm x 475cm (11ft 4in x 15ft 7in).
- On street Blue Badge parking is located on Thornton Street.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- There are also electric charging points in this car park.
- The length x width of the bays were 470cm x 245cm.
Outside Access
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The push pad or push button is 102cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 135cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located on either side of the main entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located At the front of the main entrance.
- There is/are 2 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
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Comments
View
- There is a set of security barriers beyond the second set of doors.
- the width between the second set of doors is 102.
Reception
- The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are not trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/09/2024.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
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Comments
View
- Staff member present said they haven't been trained on the hearing loop, but have had some experience with it.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/09/2024.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
Eating and Drinking (Food @ The Hub)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located on the left as you enter the building,.
- The bar does serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the from the main entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 51cm (1ft 8in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- The standard height for tables is 72cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cups are not available.
- Takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
- Menus are hand held only.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is drinks, sandwiches and cold snacks.
Entrance (Children's Library)
- This information is for the entrance located to the right as you enter through the main entrance of the building.
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Entrance
View
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
Library (Children's Library)
- This library does have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are Ground and first floor.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- Lift was out of order at the time of surveying, staff have reported for this to be fixed.
Reception (Main Library)
- The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/09/2024.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
Library (Main Library)
- This library does have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Accessible software includes Zoomtext.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A large text keyboard is / are available.
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Comments
View
- The library has a self service machine.
- The height of the scanner is approximately 77cm
- The hight from top to bottom of the screen is 150cm.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The facility is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the the main entrance.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
- There is level access to the facility.
- The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is a high visual contrast between the external door and wall .
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- You do need a key for the facility.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the reception.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 315cm x 230cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 91cm (2ft 12in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 183cm (6ft).
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a high visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
- There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
- There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a spatula flush.
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a low visual contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
- There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The facility changing bench height is fixed.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 172cm (5ft 8in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers the changing bench.
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Other Facilities
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- A privacy screen is available.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a high visual contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 110cm.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 85cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are general domestic waste and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is a coat hook.
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 110cm and 140cm from the floor.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor Both Transfer Sides)
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet surveyed is located on the left as you enter through the main entrance.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is Braille signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door opening is 93cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
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Dimensions and Features
View
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the right side is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 173cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush on the right transfer side.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
- There is a wash basin and a hand dryer available.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a clinical waste bin.
- Additional features include: a full length mirror, a mirror and coat hooks.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located at the rear end of the first floor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the reception on the first floor.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is not push pad activated.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 146cm x 198cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 6in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 107cm and 140cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 76cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
- There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are good.
