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Aldingbourne Country Centre

Blackmill Lane, Norton, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0JP

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a gift shop, café and meeting rooms.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include an open farm, children's play area, picnic area, maze, mini golf, mini ride-on tractors, soft play, book nook, creative play area, aRTie the Aldingbourne Express, woodland walk, indoor slide and cafe.
    For full details of events please visit the website.?.

Opening Hours

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Barnham.
  • Comments View
    • The address for SatNavs is:
    • Aldingbourne Country Centre
    • Blackmill Lane
    • Norton
    • Chichester
    • West Sussex
    • PO18 0JP.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 250cm x 400cm (8ft 2in x 13ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 35m (38yd 10in) 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The road is generally quiet.
    • 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)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the background sometimes.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Gift Shop

  • The gift shop is located to the left of the lift on the ground floor.
  • The counter is 80cm high.
  • There is a hearing loop in the gift shop.

Other Floors (Reception)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not 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 bright.

Other Floors (Emergency Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • The 2nd floor is for staff only.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the gift shop, beyond the reception area.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 115cm x 140cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located on the first floor.
  • 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.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are outside seating areas located on both side of the café.

Entrance (Rear Patio Area and Farm)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the café on the first floor.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Open Farm

  • The surface of pathways leading down to the farm and around it are wooden, block paved, tarmac and loose gravel.
  • There are a number of wooden gates around the farm that are staffed, who are available to assist you if required.
  • The gates have opening widths of 80-100cm.
  • At the gates you will be asked to show your wrist band.
  • There are sanitising hand washing facilities located at the start of the farm.
  • The sinks are 76cm high.
  • There is liquid soap attached to the rear of the sinks.
  • The taps are push down.
  • There are paper towels to the right of sinks.
  • There are various animals for people to feed, hold and stroke.
  • These include; goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, alpacas, turkeys, guinea pigs', ducks, chickens, pigs and peacocks.

Maze

  • There is a mini maze with a fort entrance.
  • The pathways around the maze vary in width from 80-100cm.
  • The pathways around the maze are made of grass, gravel and soil which can get muddy.

Children's Play and Picnic Area

  • The play and picnic area has several seating areas.
  • The grass surface can get muddy depending on the weather.
  • Climbing frames and a train are available.

Soft Play and Creative & Water Play Area

  • The sand and water play area are to the right of the children's play area and picnic area.
  • There are signposts throughout the country centre to help you find your way around.
  • The pathway leading to the entrance is paved and has a slight slope.
  • The entrance door opens towards you (pull) to a width of 81cm.
  • Once inside there are various creative and water activities located outside within the garden area.
  • There is a seating area.
  • There are various sand and water activities located outside withn the garden area.

Outdoor Activities

  • The Mini go kart track is shown in photographs 1 and 2.
  • Mini crazy golf is shown in photographs 3, 4 and 5.
  • The Friends Garden and Plant Nursery is shown in photographs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
  • The surface of the pathways around these areas vary from concrete, block paving and wood chip.

Woodland Trail

  • The woodland trail is a short figure of 8 loop.
  • There is a slight, permanent slope to access the gate, on the left as you face the entrance.
  • There is also kerbed access that the slope overcomes.
  • The paths are level and wheelchair accessible.
  • There are swings and other climbing apparatus available within the woodland.
  • There are also other features such as a pond and a bothy hut.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located to the rear of the reception desk.
    • The facility is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is not push pad activated.
    • The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 270cm x 341cm (8ft 10in 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • 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 one side only.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 138cm (4ft 6in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
    • Drop down rails are not provided for the toilet.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
    • It is a push button style alarm.
  • Comments View
    • There are handrails on both sides of the toilet (Photograph 4).

Accessible Toilet (Café)

  • 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 first floor lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 160cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail 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.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are waste paper pedal bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 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 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 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 medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Café)

Parent and Baby Room (Reception)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located to the rear of the reception desk.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 15m from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Reception)

Accessible Toilet (Soft Play)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the soft play entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared 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.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 230cm (7ft 10in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 178cm (5ft 10in).
    • 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 and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 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 good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Soft Play)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the right beyond the soft play entrance.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the soft play entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located within the woodland walk or the grass verge of the car park.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Home visits / services are not available.