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Galleries Shopping Centre

Galleries Washington, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 7SD

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Sunderland.
  • The nearest Metro Station is South Hylton.

Opening Hours

Parking

Outside Access (West Entrance 1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located next to Asda.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • 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 280cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There are other automatic doors to the left of the first set of doors surveyed.

Outside Access (West Entrance 2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the pathway leading from the bus station.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are a set of revolving doors next to the second set of automatic doors, which operate in a clockwise motion.

Outside Access (Health Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the pathway leading from the library.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the 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.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located on the pathway to the right of the ramp.
    • There is/are 15+ step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (East Entrance 1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located next to Sainsbury's.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a revolving door to the left of the automatic doors. The revolving door turns clockwise.
    • There is another automatic set of doors to the left, which have the same specifications as the doors surveyed.

Outside Access (East Entrance 2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located next to McDonalds.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm.
    • 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 180cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception (Customer Service Desk)

  • The desk/counter is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the east entrance 2.
  • 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 bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • You can book a motorised scooter or manual wheelchair, subject to availability at the customer service desk.
    • It is recommended you reserve these in advance by calling 0191 416 7177. However you can order on the day.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played within the venue.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Levels of music vary within different parts of the shopping centre.

Level Change (Ground Floor to First Floor)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you enter from west entrance 2.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • 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 both sides.

Other Floors (Escalator 1)

  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are G, 1.
    • The escalators steps are clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The escalator is located next to Iceland and close to west entrance 2.
    • This escalator goes up only.

Other Floors (Other Floors 1)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs are located on the right as you enter from west entrance 1.

Other Floors (Other Floors 2)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs are located next to Poundland and close to the health centre entrance.

Other Floors (Escalator 2)

  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are G, 1.
    • The escalators steps are clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The escalator is next to Bright House and close to the health centre entrance.
    • This escalator goes up only.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the corridor opposite the post office and close to the health centre entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the health centre entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 260cm x 160cm (8ft 6in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are not 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 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.

Reception (Management Suite - First Floor)

  • The desk/counter is 70m (76yd 1ft) 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 high (110cm+).
  • 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.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • The management suite is located on the first floor close to the ramp which goes from the ground floor to the first floor.
    • There is a set of double doors with one locked leaf to enter the management suite.
    • The door opens towards you, is heavy and 80cm wide.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille, pictorial and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the west entrance 1.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff at customer service desk.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 70cm (2ft 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are clinical waste, sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, in the corridor next to R&B Hair & Beauty.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff at the customer service desk.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 65cm (2ft 2in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste, sanitary, non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is another accessible toilet next to the one surveyed with the same specifications.

Changing Places (First Floor)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the first floor, in the corridor next to R&B Hair & Beauty.
    • The facility is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 440cm x 340cm (14ft 5in x 11ft 2in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Baby Changing Room

  • The baby changing room is located on the first floor, in the corridor next to R&B Hair & Beauty.
  • The door to enter the room opens away from you, is single, heavy and 100cm wide.
  • There are three baby change units at a height of 84cm.
  • The room contains chairs, tables, bins and toys.
  • There is seating available and some play toys.

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.