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Chester Town Hall

Market Square, Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the left after exiting the lift on level 0.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • The female step-free toilet facilities are located on the right after exiting the lift on level 0, just before the entrance to the court room on level 0 and just before the entrance to the council chamber on level 1.
    • The male step-free toilet facilities are located on the left after exiting the lift on level 0.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located to the right and left after exiting the lift on level 0.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the left after exiting the lift on level 0.

Entrance (Accessible)

  • This entrance is located at the side of the venue on Princess Street.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 113cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked or bolted.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 114cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • The lift bypasses the steps.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout walkways, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: The Magistrates Room is accessible via a portable ramp.
  • The following areas have stepped access: some standard toilets on level 0.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, manual doors and uneven surfaces.
  • There is deep pile carpet in some areas.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Some signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift

  • The distance from accessible entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • Levels -1, 0 and 1 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 89cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 138cm (width) x 159cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located on the right after exiting the lift on level 0.
  • Levels 0 and 1 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Assembly Hall)

  • The room is located at the far end of level 0.
  • The distance from lift is 34m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has doors permanently held open, a lift and uneven surfaces.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 170cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the stage.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
  • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Counter (Outside Assembly Hall)

  • The counter is located on level 0, just before the entrance to the Assembly Hall.
  • The distance from lift is 32m.
  • The most accessible route to the counter has uneven surfaces and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 96cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Magistrates Room)

  • The room is located on level 0 under the main staircase.
  • The distance from lift is 28m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has doors permanently held open, uneven surfaces and a lift.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via a portable ramp into the room.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 2 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 99cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring consists of deep pile carpet which is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Magistrates Court)

  • The room is located on level 0, opposite the Assembly Hall.
  • The distance from lift is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has doors permanently held open, step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 62cm.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the lower area of the court and much of the seating.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: benches and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables and high tables.
  • All tables and some seating is fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Council Chamber)

  • The room is located on level 1, on the left after exiting the lift.
  • The distance from lift is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and a lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 133cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring consists of deep pile carpet which is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • This room may have different layouts depending upon the event.

Room (Committee Room 1)

  • The room is located on level 1, to the right after exiting the lift.
  • The distance from lift is 19m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a lift, doors permanently held open and step-free level access.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 116cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring consists of deep pile carpet which is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests and chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room

  • The room surveyed is located to the left, after exiting the lift on level 0.
  • The distance from lift is 14m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has doors permanently held open, uneven surfaces and step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 91cm.
  • There is a wash basin, a mirror, a coat hook and a paper towel dispenser in the room.
  • The wash basin has a twist/turn tap.
  • The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a waste bin.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left after exiting the lift on level 0.
    • The distance from lift is 16m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a lift, doors permanently held open, uneven surfaces and step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is no signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 137cm (width) x 248cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 69cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 104cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 113cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 107cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.