You are on Related Access Guides (Introduction). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (Introduction)

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• The Chester Bluecoat Charity - Main Building link (new tab) - click here.
• Carer's Trust link (new tab) - click here.
• Autism Hub link (new tab) - click here.
• Citizens Advice link (new tab) - click here.
• Vision Support link (new tab) - click here.
• Work Zone link (new tab) - click here.
• Chester Aid to the Homeless link (new tab) - click here.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

• From the south, leave the A55 at junction 38 and follow the signs to Chester.
  Cross the bridge and take the first exit on the large roundabout onto Nicholas Street.
  Continue following this road until you reach another roundabout where you should take the third exit onto Northgate Street.
  Follow the one-way system until it takes you back towards Northgate Street.
  At this point the venue will be observed straight ahead and slightly to the left. From the north, leave the M56 at junction 12 and follow the A56 into Chester for approximately 2 miles.
  When you reach a large roundabout take the third exit.
  Carry on for a short distance until you reach another roundabout where you should take the first exit onto Northgate Street.
  Follow the one-way system until it takes you back towards Northgate Street.
  At this point the venue will be observed straight ahead and slightly to the left.
• The venue has no parking of its own and there is no street parking available.
  Delamere Street public car park is nearby. This is signposted and can be found on the aforementioned one-way system as you approach the venue.
  Blue Badge parking is located at Hamilton Place, Chester, CH1 2BG.
• For more information onhttps://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-roads/parking-and-permits/chester-car-parks.aspx please click here (opens new tab).
• There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
• The nearest bus stops are 50 to 90 metres away on Canal Street and George Street.
  Between them they provide direct services to Blacon, Upton, Garden City, Flint and Liverpool.
• For more information on fare and timetable details please click here (opens new tab).
• The nearest Railway Station is Chester.
• Chester Station is 0.7 miles away and provides direct services to Wrexham, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Liverpool and the Wirral, Manchester, Leeds, London Euston and stations along the North Wales Coast.
• For more information on Chester Station please click here (opens new tab).
• For more information on fare and timetable details please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

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• Public Car Park View
  • There is a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
  • The public car park is located on Delamere Street.
  • The name of the car park is Delamere Street.
  • The car park does have Blue Badge parking spaces.
  • There is/are 13 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 236cm x 470cm.
  • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
• Additional Public Parking Information View
  • For more information on public parking please click here (new tab).

You are on Approach (Front of Building). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Front of Building)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
  • The approach surface is uneven in places.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
  • There is/are 4 unmarked step(s), with no handrails.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 23cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• Comments View
  • Only some of the steps are clearly marked.

You are on Outside Access (Door 2). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Door 2)

• This information is for the entrance located through the archway at the front of the building and to the left.
• The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
• This entrance sign says 'DOOR 2'.
• There is step-free access at this entrance.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
• There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
• The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
• The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• The height of the intercom is 107cm (3ft 6in).
• A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
• The height of the key fob reader is 125cm.
• The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 89cm.

You are on Outside Access (Door 3). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Door 3)

• This information is for the entrance located through the archway at the front of the building and to the right.
• The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
• This entrance sign says 'DOOR 3'.
• There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
• There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
• The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
• The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
• The height of the key fob reader is 123cm.
• The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 90cm.
• There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• The ramp/slope is located at the door.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is portable.
• Please contact a member of staff at the department you require for use of the portable ramp.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 84cm (2ft 9in).
• The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• The step(s) is/are located immediately after the entrance door.
• 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 23cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• 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.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • The height range of the intercom varies between 104cm to 143cm.

You are on Outside Access (Door 4). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Door 4)

• This information is for the entrance located at the right of the building.
• The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
• This entrance sign says 'DOOR 4'.
• There is stepped access at this entrance.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
• The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
• The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• The height of the intercom is 124cm (4ft 1in).
• A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
• The height of the key fob reader is 103cm.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
• The width of the door opening is 86cm.
• 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) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
• The door(s) is/are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 79cm.
• The step(s) is/are located between the first and second door.
• There is/are 4 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 20cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
• Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• 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.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • The lift at this entrance is permanently out of use.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

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

You are on Level Change (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Ground Floor)

• There is a/are step(s) located in the ground floor corridor.
• The step(s) is/are used to access part of the ground floor and Cheshire West Voluntary Action.
• 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 20cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• 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.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

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• Comments View
  • There is a lift to overcome these steps.

You are on Lift (Ground Floor Level Change). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Ground Floor Level Change)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in the ground floor corridor.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Door 3 entrance.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
• A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
• The platform lift accesses a small level change.
• There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• There is a medium colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate.
• There is a low colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception point is located just beyond the Door 4 entrance.
• The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the entrance.
• The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
• There is stepped access to the reception point.
• There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
• There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
• The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
• The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• There is a lowered section of the counter.
• The lowered section of the counter is at the recommended height of 76cm.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
• There is not a knee recess beneath the counter.
• The counter is not staffed.
• There is not a bell to attract attention.
• There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
• Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
• The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
• There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

You are on Room(s) (Chester Voluntary Action). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (Chester Voluntary Action)

• The room surveyed was Chester Voluntary Action.
• Chester Voluntary Action is located on the ground floor, near to the Door 4 entrance.
• There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
• Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
• There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, but it is not clearly visible.
• The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
• There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
• There is step-free access into the room(s).
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
• The door(s) is/are single.
• The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
• The door is easy to open.
• Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
• There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
• This room has a whiteboard.
• There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
• There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
• The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 69cm and 72cm.
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
• There are some chairs with armrests on both side within the room(s).
• The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
• Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
• There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
• The lighting levels are good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet facilities in this area.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, just beyond the Door 2 entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door may be difficult to open for some.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 72cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 221cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by waste bins.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • 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).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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).
  • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 83cm.
  • 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 116cm (3ft 10in).
  • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
  • There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Opposite Transfer Toilet(s) View
  • There is not an opposite transfer toilet in this location.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

• There is/are 1 male toilet(s) located on the ground floor, near the Door 3 entrance.
• There is/are 1 female toilet(s) located on the ground floor, near the Door 3 entrance.
• There is/are 1 shared toilet(s) toilet(s) located on the ground floor, near the Door 3 entrance.
• The type of signage on or near the standard toilet door(s) is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written.
• Ambulant toilet cubicles are not available.
• There is not a male standard toilet with a lowered urinal.
• The wash basin tap types in standard toilets are push.
• The lighting levels are good in the male and female standard toilets.

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• Comments View
  • The shared toilet has a flip down baby change table. Once extended this is 91cm high.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Documents are not available in Braille.
• Documents are not available 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.
• Home visits / services are not available.