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Elm House

31 Hillfield Street, Bensham, Gateshead, NE8 1QE

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Access Guide

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Overview (Elm House)

Parking (Elm House)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • 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 free for all users.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Elm House)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a bell at a height of 138cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 129cm.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 117cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 89cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second single manual door.
  • The second door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 77cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Getting Around (Elm House)

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: sofas.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Room (Visiting Room)

  • The room is located off the left side corridor.
  • The distance from the entrance is 12m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • 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 low visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is not 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 without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
  • There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.