Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- MK Gallery brings world-class exhibitions and events together with pioneering learning and community programmes to Milton Keynes.
- Facilities available in the venue include: toilets with adaptations, standard toilets, Changing Places facility, cinema, shop, cafe, Playscape, Event, Learning and Exhibition Spaces.
- View information on opening times.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue does not have its own car park.
- There is a public car park nearby.
- The name of the nearest car park is Centre: MK (John Lewis).
- View information on Google Maps (opens new tab) .
- The nearest train station is Milton Keynes Central.
- The nearest bus station is Theatre District (Stop B4).
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have stepped access: the male and female standard toilets in the Event Space, and the upper cinema seating rows.
- Access throughout may include automatic doors.
- The ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and mobility scooter charging facilities.
- Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes:
- Portable, foldable seating
- Audio headsets(Cinema)
- Sensory kits - these include ear defenders, fidget spinners, sensory toys, and a sensory map of the building
- MK Gallery has a dedicated Inclusion team who can organise any specific access requests.
- They can be contacted on [email protected] / 01908 676900.
- There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The designated safe space is located according to the needs of the visitor/group by staff on the day, or can be arranged in advance of the visit.
- British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
- Documents are available in the following formats: large print and audio.
- There are Relaxed cinema screenings (Sunday mornings)
- There are Silver cinema screenings (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings)
- There are Milk and Baby cinema screenings (Friday mornings)
- Headsets for cinema audio description are available for loan
- Audio description facilities are film-dependent
- British Sign Language interpreters can be booked on request for events
- Audio guides are available via the MK Gallery profile on the Bloomberg Connects App (downloadable to a mobile device).
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
- Staff receive the following training: First Aid Training, Inclusion, Equality and Diversity Training.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located on the first and second floors of the venue.
- The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
- Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the male and female standard toilets.
- The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on first and second floors of the venue.
- The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor of the venue.
- The male and female standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor of the Event Space (accessed via stairs only).
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the venue.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations on the first floor and second floor, and within the male and female ambulant cubicles.
Parking
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On-street Parking
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- On-street designated Blue Badge parking is available.
- The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on Midsummer Boulevard.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
- There are 4 free, Blue Badge car parking spaces located outside, at the front of the gallery.
- These spaces are shared with MK Theatre and operate on a first come first served basis.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a public car park located across the road from the venue.
- The name of the car park is Centre: MK (John Lewis).
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
Entrance
- This entrance is located on Midsummer Boulevard.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 150cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The door has a low visual contrast.
Ticketing (Welcome Desk)
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Ticket Counter
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- The ticket counter surveyed is located on the left, after entering.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 76cm.
- The counter has a television and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
Getting Around
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have stepped access: the toilets in the Event Space.
- Access throughout may include automatic doors.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Lighting levels are adjustable in some areas.
- A temporary wall with double doors is in place, leading to the stairs and the lift on the ground floor of the venue.
- The doors have an opening width 143cm.
- Portable folding stools are available for visitors.
Shop
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
- Some flooring is patterned.
- There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor throughout this area.
- There may be background noise.
- Signage is provided.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
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Payment Counter
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- The counter surveyed was also the Welcome Desk.
- The shop layout may change depending on the event or exhibition.
Eating and Drinking (Cafe)
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Location and Access
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- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menus are displayed on the counter.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Order and Payment
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- The payment counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located on the right as you enter.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 109cm.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- The height of the lowered section is 92cm.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- 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.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- There is a side door leading to the outside terrace. This a single, automatic door that opens outwards with an opening width of 126cm.
Outdoor Seating Area - Cafe Terrace
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Location and Access
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- This seating area is located outside the cafe.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access and automatic doors.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is a single automatic door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 125cm.
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Seating Area
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- The seating area is uncovered.
- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
Changing Places (Both Sides Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The Changing Places facility surveyed is located through the galleries.
- The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
- The distance from the entrance is 60m.
- The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and automatic doors.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 100cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
- The dimensions of the facility are 298cm (width) x 404cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
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Toilet Details
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- There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 160cm.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 80cm.
- There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The dropdown rails have a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 84cm from the floor.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
- The length of the changing bench is 200cm.
- The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
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Shower Details
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- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
- There is no shower seat.
- There is a grab rail for the shower.
- The shower grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
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Other Facilities
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- There is a fixed height wash basin.
- The wash basin is 83cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a twist turn mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 80cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 80cm from the floor.
- A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 92cm.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 85cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a full length mirror.
- The facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 140cm from the floor.
- A privacy screen is available.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Exhibition Spaces
- All exhibits are indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include automatic doors.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- The following may be experienced here: interactive video effects.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio description, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and BSL.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches.
- The seating is fixed.
- Guided tours are available.
- There is step-free level access throughout the tour, this may include the use of a lift.
- The Exhibition is made up of 5 Gallery Spaces: Anson Gallery; Garfield Western Gallery; Wolfson Gallery; Margaret Powell Gallery and Derek Walker Gallery.
- Access from the shop into the first gallery has a single, automatic door.
The door has an opening width of 105cm and a door opening sensor at a height of 90cm. - The exit route back into the cafe has a single, automatic door.
The door has an opening width of 90cm and a door opening sensor at a height of 90cm. - The layout may change depending on the event or exhibition.
- Accessible exhibition tours include: Audio Described, BSL, plus Toddle and SEND Sensory Tours.
Learning Studio
- The room is located within the main venue, on the ground floor.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is written text 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 102cm.
- 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 is shiny.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in the room includes: 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 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.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- The layout may change depending on the event or exhibition.
- There is an external door leading to the Playscape area. This door has an opening width of 90cm.
Event Space
- The room is located across from the main venue, in the Lozenge Building.
- The distance from the main venue is 20m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door has a locked extension leaf.
- The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
- The door opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 91cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: the toilets on the first floor.
- 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 medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in the room includes: 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.
- Additional facilities/services include: a wash basin.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- The layout may change depending on the event or exhibition.
- Visitors with access needs can use the toilets with adaptations in the main venue.
Project Space
- The room is located across from the main venue, in the Lozenge Building.
- The distance from the main venue is 22m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
- The door has a locked extension leaf.
- The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
- The door opens towards you.
- The width of the opening is 102cm.
- 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 is shiny.
- Seating available in the room includes: 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.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- The layout may change depending on the event or exhibition.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located near the shop.
- The distance from the shop is 5m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The lockers on the first floor are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 90cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 108cm (width) x 138cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
Stairs
- The stairs surveyed are located between the shop and the cafe.
- The lockers on the first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Area (Lockers - First Floor)
- The lockers are located near the entrance to the toilets on the first floor.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor.
- The distance from the lift is 6m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 95cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
- 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 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 83cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a sensor 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 high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 91cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 88cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
- The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is an additional toilet with adaptations on the second floor.
Lift (Sky Room Cinema)
- The lift surveyed is located next to the cafe.
- The distance from the cafe is 5m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
- The ground, first and second floors are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a high visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 120cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 136cm (width) x 238cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
Stairs (Sky Room Cinema)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the left of the Sky Room Lift.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are temporary, double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- The doors are permanently held open.
Sky Room Cinema
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Access To
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- The screen is located on the second floor.
- The most accessible route to the screen has step-free level access, a lift and doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access into the screen.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
- The doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 160cm.
- There are a second set of double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
- The second doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 157cm.
- The door is permanently held open before and after screenings.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after screenings.
- This entrance gives access to Row A, the front row.
- There is step-free level access as you enter the screen.
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Screen Information
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- The following rows have step-free level access: Row A, the front row.
- The following rows have stepped access: all upper rows.
- Seating available in the screen includes: flip-down seats with armrests.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey, before and after screenings.
- There are Relaxed cinema screenings (Sunday mornings)
- There are Silver cinema screenings (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings)
- There are Milk and Baby cinema screenings (Friday mornings)
- Headsets for cinema audio description are available for loan.
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Designated Seating
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- The most accessible route to the designated seating has step-free level access.
- The designated seating area is located Row A, the front row.
- The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed .
- There are 2 designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Companions sit next to you and behind you.
- Companion seating available includes: flip-down seats with armrests.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Due to fire regulations the Sky Room Auditorium can only accommodate 2 wheelchairs.
Please book in advance to reserve these seats.
Outdoor Spaces (Playscape)
- The following is available in this area: a playground and a playground with play equipment.
- Outdoor areas consist of rubber tarmac, grass and paving slabs.
- There are footpaths throughout.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the play facilities.
- There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
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Playground
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- The following play experiences are available: sliding, climbing and viewing.
