Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a museum, lending library, winter gardens, and a cafe.
Opening Times (Museum - Upper Galleries Close at 16:00)
- Monday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 09:30 - 19:00.
- Thursday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Friday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 16:00.
- Sunday Closed.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Sunderland.
- The nearest Metro Station is Sunderland.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 210cm x 605cm (6ft 11in x 19ft 10in).
- Standard marked parking bays are located in Toward Road.
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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
- The on street Blue Badge bays are not marked into separate bays.
- There is space for up to 6 vehicles.
- The width of the Blue Badge parking is 268cm.
- There is additional Blue Badge parking available in Toward Road as shown in photographs 4 and 5.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 159cm (5ft 3in).
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Second set of doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
Reception
- The desk/counter is 4m (13.12336ft) from the Main Entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter does not have 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 not 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 22/05/2023.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- The reception desk is also used as the gift shop counter.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service(s).
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Level Change (Ground Floor)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located leading from the reception to the facilities on the ground floor.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Museum
- Exhibits cannot be audio described.
- Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
- Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
- Touch tours are not available.
- Video tours are not available.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
- There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
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Comments
View
- There are videos with subtitles in some areas of the museum.
- Some of the video viewing areas are equipped with a fixed loop, which is signed.
- There are interactives throughout the museum.
- The height of the highest button for the interactives is 119cm.
- The height of the lowest interactive 69
- There are information boards throughout the museum.
- The height of the information boards is 66cm.
- There are large print information books in the gallery.
Eating and Drinking (Sea Change Café)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located on the ground floor, to the rear right of the building.
- 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 not a lowered section at the counter.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 38m (124.67192ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 48cm (1ft 6.9in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 78cm (2ft 6.71in).
- The standard height for tables is 117cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are hand held only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- 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 hot and cold meals and snacks.
Generic (Winter Garden Internal Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building. There is level access at the entrance. The doors opens automatically. The doors are double. The width of the door opening is 127cm (4ft 2in).
Level Change (Winter Gardens)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located ahead as you enter the winter gardens.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on the left going up.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the right as you enter the winter gardens.
- There is/are 8 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Parks and Gardens (Winter Gardens)
- The park or garden does have footpaths.
- The path(s) has a / have concrete surface(s).
- The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There are slight slopes on the paths.
- There are some bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
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Comments
View
- There are information boards throughout the gardens.
- The height to the top of the information boards is 90cm.
- There are interactive exhibits along the tree top walk.
- The height to the top of the interactive exhibits is 72cm.
Level Change (Tree Top Walk)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located ahead as you enter the winter gardens entrance.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
View
- There is a similar set of stairs giving access to floors 1 and 3 as shown in photographs 5 and 6.
Lift (Main)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear left of the building, as you enter via the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
- The lift is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 106cm x 209cm (3ft 6in x 6ft 10in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
Lift (Scenic)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the rear of the building.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- The lift is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the winter gardens entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
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Comments
View
- This lift gives access to the tree top walk.
- The lift was out of order at the time of the survey (March 2018).
Lift (Platform)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the main lift.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2.
- The lift is approximately 3m (9ft) from the main lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- There is an easy ramp in front of the lift on the first floor. The width of the ramp is 102cm. .
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Female Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor within the standard female toilets.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is not a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the main reception.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 193cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 4in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush 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 sanitary, non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
- 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.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- There is a low visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
View
- The door release button is 114cm internal and external.
Toilet with Adaptations (Family Toilet)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is Braille, pictorial, tactile and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, to the centre of the building.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 230cm x 204cm (7ft 7in x 6ft 8in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 162cm (5ft 4in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush 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 non-infectious waste and sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the family toilet cubicle.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
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Comments
View
- There is also a standard toilet in the family toilet room as shown in photograph 4.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is Braille, written text, pictorial and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, ahead as you exit the main lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 139cm x 183cm (4ft 7in x 6ft).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 69cm (2ft 3in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush 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 clinical waste, non-infectious waste and sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 109cm (3ft 7in).
- 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.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Clos-o-Mat - Second Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is Braille, pictorial, written text and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on the second floor, to the right as you exit the main lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 215cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 77cm (2ft 6in).
- There is a dropdown rail 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 non-infectious waste, sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 78cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet cubicle.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).
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Comments
View
- The flush is on both sides.
Toilet with Adaptations (Third Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is written text, pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on the third floor, to the rear left of the building as you exit the main lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 143cm x 209cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 10in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush 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 non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
View
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the rear left of the building as you enter.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 37m (40yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the rear left of the building.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 34m (37yd 7in) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
Baby Feed & Change Room
- The room is 39m from main entrance and is located on the ground floor, to the rear left of the buiding.
- A RADAR key is required to access the room.
- The key is available from the main reception.
- The door opens inwards and is heavy.
- The width of the door is 83cm.
- The door is locked by locking handle.
- The height of the sink is 78cm.
- The height of the worksurface is 76cm.
- The height of the baby change when extended is 87cm.
Additional Info
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- Home visits / services are not available.
- Access to Wi-Fi is available on request.
