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Botanic Gardens

College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1LP

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Palm House and The Tropical Ravine.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include gardens, bandstand, rose garden, herbaceous borders, bowling green and hut and Ulster Museum.
  • Related link For access information on Ulster Museum.
  • Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/ulster-museum
  • Comments View
    • The Palm House opening times :.
    • Monday to Friday 10:00- 17:00.
    • Saturday to Sunday 13:00 - 17:00.
    • Between October and March closing time is 16:00 every day.

Location

  • The nearest National Rail station is Botanic Train Station.

Opening Hours

Parking (Blue Badge Only)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located in front of the Ulster Museum.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 350cm x 530cm (11ft 6in x 17ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 90m (98yd 1ft) from the Stranmillis Road entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 120m (131yd 8in) from the Stranmillis Road 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 uneven surfaces.
    • 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 not 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is standard unmarked street parking in the streets around the park. However the roads are busy and spaces very limited.

Outside Access (Stranmillis Road Gate Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on Stranmillis Road.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • There are five other entrances; Botanic Avenue (photographs 3 and 4), Colenso Parade (photographs 5 and 6), Stranmillis Gardens (Bowling Green) (photographs 7 and 8), Queen's Sport Centre (photographs 9 and 10), and Agincourt Avenue (photographs 11 and 12).
    • All of these entrances have similar access, some with double gates opening up to 320cm wide.

Parks and Gardens (Botanic Gardens)

  • The park or garden does have footpaths.
  • The path(s) has a / have tarmac, gravel and muddy surface(s).
  • The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There are slight and steep slopes on the paths.
  • There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Outside Access (The Palm House - Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front centre of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 10cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (The Pam House - Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the left hand end of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 99cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the path to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Inside Access (The Palm House)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • The Palm House has an aisle which is 80 - 100 cm wide running through it.
    • It is uneven in places.

Outside Access (The Tropical Ravine - Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the lower side of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The height of the intercom is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 202cm.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to level -1.

Outside Access (The Tropical Ravine - Upper Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the upper end of the building opposite the museum.
    • The height of the intercom is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the doors.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • There are two pairs of glass doors immediately inside giving access to left or right (photographs not shown).
    • This entrance gives access to level 0.

Inside Access (The Tropical Ravine)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • There is a touch screen guide in the main entrance lobby. It is 90-110cm high.
    • There are guided tours through the Tropical Ravine on Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 15:00 and on Wednesday from 11:00 to 12:00.

Other Floors (The Tropical Ravine)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (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 (The Tropical Ravine)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the lower entrance lobby.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the tropical ravine 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 140cm x 140cm (4ft 7in 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 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 bright.

Level Change (The Tropical Ravine - External Ramp)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located at the side of the building.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located inside the building.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • The lift does bypass the ramp/slope.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Tropical Ravine)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the tropical ravine - main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the entrance foyer.
    • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 220cm (6ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 48cm (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).
  • 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.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a second hand wash basin for use with the baby change unit.
    • It is 74cm high and has a lever mixer tap.

Toilet with Adaptations (Public Toilet Block)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the public toilet block on the outer pathway.
    • There is not 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 door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 225cm x 226cm (7ft 5in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 106cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 79cm.
    • 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 not available in the cubicle.
    • 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 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Public Toilet Block)

Level Change (Public Toilet Block)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the male standard toilet with a similar ramp in front of the accessible toilet.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 121cm (3ft 12in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the female standard toilet.
  • There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • 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 not bypass the step(s).

Additional Info

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