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Ards Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

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Access Guide

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Overview

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
    • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located in Regent Street.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • On-street standard parking is free for 60 minutes, with no return within 60 minutes.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located on Regent Street.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 95cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access via lift as you enter.
  • The lift bypasses the steps.
  • There are 3 steps with a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 12cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The lift itself also acts as steps when not in use, offering handrails on both sides.

Lift (Entrance)

  • The lift surveyed is located beyond the entrance door.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the entrance is 1m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 77cm (width) x 120cm (depth).
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • The platform lift is operated by staff.

Reception

  • The reception is located on the right hand side of the building.
  • The distance from the lift is 15m.
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 120cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • The reception has windows and glazed screens.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: An aisle to the right of the branch.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a low visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • There is background noise.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.