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The Observatory

Potters Bank, Durham, DH1 3RR

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Access Guide

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Summary

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff.
    • The car park is located between the Observatory and the Observatory Cottage.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • 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 of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The Observatory'.
    • 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 101cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • The main ground floor corridor, leading from the main entrance to the stairs, kitchen, Music Room and toilet, is narrower than 120 cm (87 cm at its narrowest) and has a very shiny floor in places (shown in photograph 2).
    • Photograph 3 shows the Fisher Room.
    • Photograph 4 shows the Music Room.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for staff only.
    • The stairs are located just inside the main corridor from the entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is not a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • At the time of the survey (June 2021), the first and second floors were not in use.?.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located at the far end of the main ground floor corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.