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Barton Centre

Hopewood Park, Waterworks Road, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

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Access Guide

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Overview (Barton Centre)

Getting Around (Barton Centre)

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet and Changing Facilities (Barton Centre)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the lower ground, ground and first floors.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard toilets on the lower ground, ground and first floors.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the lower ground, ground and first floors.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located with toilet with adaptations on the lower ground floor.

Parking (Hopewood Park - Main Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Waterworks Road. This is the top car park.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • Payment machines are located ahead from the vehicle entrance.
    • There is not a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
    • Blue Badge Holders must display their badges when occupying a blue badge bay anywhere on Hopewood Park Site.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 4 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 230cm (width) x 465cm (depth).
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require an app or tap and pay (contactless payment).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point available.
    • The designated drop-off point is located to the right of Barton Centre main entrance.

Parking (Springrise, Shoredrift and Beckfield)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the front of Beckfield.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 226cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 42m from the Beckfield entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located throughout the car park.
    • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (185cm x 210cm).
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Barton Centre)

  • This entrance is located to the front of Barton Centre.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a bell at a height of 111cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 121cm.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 155cm.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 155cm.
  • The second door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception (Barton Centre)

  • The reception is located to the right of the Barton Centre main entrance.
  • The distance from the Barton Centre main entrance is 13m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 107cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 73cm.
  • The reception has windows.
  • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of the reception desk.
  • The distance from the Barton Centre main entrance is 21m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The lower ground, ground and first floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 89cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right of the lift, on the ground floor.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • The lower ground, ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Consultation / Medical Room (Group Activity Room)

  • There are 2 consultation/medical rooms available.
  • The room surveyed was; Group Activity Room.
  • The room is located on the lower ground floor corridor of the Barton Centre.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, a lift, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Gym (Exercise Therapy - Gym)

  • The gym is located on the lower ground floor.
  • There is step-free level access into the gym.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The doors open both ways.
  • The width of the opening is 79cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The gym is staffed when open.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is some clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights and cable resistance machines.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Kitchen (ADL)

  • The kitchen is located on the lower ground floor.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • The work surface is 92cm from the floor.
  • A lowered work surface is not available.
  • Overhead and under counter cupboards are available.
  • The hob is 92cm from the floor.
  • A lowered hob is not available.
  • The oven is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The sink is 92cm from the floor.
  • A lowered sink is not available.
  • The sink has a lever mixer tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge freezer, a dishwasher, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
  • The following machines are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user: dishwasher.
  • Seating available in the kitchen includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Eating and Drinking (Café Hope)

  • Location and Service View
    • Café Hope is located on the lower ground floor of the Barton Centre.
    • The most accessible route has a lift.
    • This area has a counter where food can be ordered, a self service counter, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the rear of the central self-serve podium.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 82cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas and high stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and high tables.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Outdoor Spaces (Outdoor Seating - Café Hope)

  • Outdoor areas consist of grass and block paving.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Room (Sacred Space)

  • The room is located on the lower ground floor of the Barton Centre.
  • The distance from the lift is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The doors open inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 79cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower ground floor.
    • The distance from the lift is 6m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 222cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 101cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 72cm.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor.
    • The distance from the Barton Centre main entrance is 28m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 155cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.