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Valley Leisure Centre

40 Church Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 7LJ

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Access Guide

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Opening Times

  • Monday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Friday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 08:30 - 17:30.
  • Sunday 08:30 - 17:30.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Newtonabbey.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Whiteabbey.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 430cm (11ft 10in x 14ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 53m (57yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to level 2.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are not 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.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Reception (Main)

  • The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) 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 has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are 127cm wide security gates adjacent to narrower swipe gates at reception.
    • There are touchscreen sign up screens available including one at a lower height (photograph 5).
    • There are fast pay touchscreens and card machines available (photograph 6) which are over 120cm high.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the fitness suite.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Level Change (Play Zone)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading up to the play zone.
  • There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
  • 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).
  • Comments View
    • There are similar steps back down to the party rooms within the Play Zone (shown in photographs 3 and 4) which are also bypassed using a platform lift.

Lift (Play Zone)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the stairs, leading to the play zone.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-UG.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 82cm x 125cm (2ft 8in x 4ft 1in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a further lift inside the Play Zone to bypass the steps back down to the party rooms (shown in photographs 5 and 6).
    • The further lift is 78cm wide and 122cm deep.

Level Change (Dance Studio, Creche and Children's Play Area)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located on level 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.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 135cm (4ft 5in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the rear of the ramp.
  • There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
  • 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.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Level Change (Outdoor Football Pitches)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located between the changing rooms and the outdoor pitches.
  • There is / are 15+ step(s) to the area / service.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1-2-3.
    • 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 medium.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift is located in the foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1-2-3.
  • The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 105cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 5in).
  • 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Restaurant Bar Internal (Cafe Aroma)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the service counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 1m (3ft 3in) from the cafe entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • 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 snacks and light meals.

Reception (Fitness Suite)

  • The desk/counter is 13m (14yd 8in) from the main lift.
  • 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 bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on level 3.
    • The fitness suite is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main lift.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • Level access is by lift.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.
    • Training provided is during inductions.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Lift (Fitness Suite - Poolside Changing Village)

  • The lift is located in the changing village.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 102cm wide automatic push pad operated door in the changing village to this lift.

Swimming Pool

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is a pool platform lift for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 4 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • The ladder does not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • The 4 steps are for access into the smaller shallow pool (shown in photographs 5 and 6).
    • There are 15+ steps with handrails on both sides for access to the flumes (shown in photographs 7 and 8).

Changing Places (Poolside)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the lower floor, next to the pool.
    • The facility is approximately 57m (62yd 1ft) 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 inwards.
    • The width of the door is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 280cm x 380cm (9ft 2in x 12ft 6in).
    • 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 right as you face the toilet is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is no transfer space to the left of the toilet due to the sink.
    • There is a similar door leading in from the swimming pool.
    • There is a 97cm wide sliding door into the changing places room beyond the RADAR key doors.
    • There are lockers in the space beyond the first doors.

Accessible Changing Room (Poolside Changing Village)

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located within the changing village on level 1.
  • The facility is 45m (49yd 8in) from the main lift.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 280cm x 300cm (9ft 2in x 9ft 10in).
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 200cm (6ft 7in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • The toilet seat is 43cm (1ft 5in) above floor level.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is not a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is a locker within the accessible changing room.
  • The locker is within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a changing bench.
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The dry side standard changing rooms near the main hall also offer an accessible changing cubicle and toilet (shown in photographs 5-8).
    • There are further dry side accessible toilets with accessible showers available at the fitness suite.

Standard Changing Room (Wet Side)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main lift.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the swimming pool.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on level 1.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • The baby change facilities are located in the wet side changing room.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
    • Additional dry side changing rooms, with level access, are available on levels 1 and 3 (shown in photographs 7-12).
    • There are 2 shallow steps to access the dry side changing showers near the main halls.

Accessible Shower (Fitness Suite)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the accessible toilet in the fitness suite.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 55cm (1ft 10in).
  • Other facilities available include; accessible toilet.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is another accessible shower and toilet near the fitness suite reception (shown in photographs 3 and 4).

Accessible Toilet (Fitness Suite)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 3 in the fitness suite.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 205cm x 380cm (6ft 9in x 12ft 6in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail, however it is not 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.
    • 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 not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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).
  • 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an accessible shower available here.
    • There is another accessible toilet and accessible shower near the fitness suite reception (shown in photographs 3 and 4).

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 204cm x 235cm (6ft 8in x 7ft 9in).
    • There is 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are 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 110cm (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 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet in the nearby Play Zone (shown in photographs 3 and 4).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter, in the main foyer.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard male and female toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • Additional standard toilets are available throughout the building.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.