Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- We The Curious is a hands-on science and arts centre, where people can explore, create, and discover new ideas. It has interactive exhibits, workshops, and a planetarium that make learning fun for all ages.
- 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 Millennium Square.
- View information on Millennium Square (opens new tab) .
- The nearest step-free train station is Bristol Temple Meads.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (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 ground floor, first floor and second floor 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 no hearing assistance system.
- Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: sensory bags.
- There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The designated safe space is located on the first floor.
- Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request) and large print (on request).
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located on all floors.
- All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
- The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the first floor.
- The gender inclusive step-free toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the left of the cafe counter.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after you enter the exhibit area.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilets with adaptations.
Parking
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a public car park located off Anchor Road.
- The name of the car park is Millennium Square.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
Entrance (We The Curious )
- This entrance is located at the front of the building.
- 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 are double automatic doors at this entrance.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 190cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a medium 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 190cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
Reception
- The reception is located straight ahead and to the left after you enter.
- The distance from the entrance is 9m.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 89cm.
- There is a lowered section at the desk.
- The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
Entrance (Ground Floor Exhibits )
- This entrance is located to the right of the reception desk.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There is an opening without doors.
- The width of the opening is 150cm.
- The second open access is also 150cm wide.
- The minimum width between the security barriers is 200cm.
- There is step-free level access as you enter.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The Changing Places facility surveyed is located to the right, after you enter the ground floor exhibits.
- The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The distance from the ground floor exhibit entrance is 13m.
- The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
- The door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 94cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
- The dimensions of the facility are 292cm (width) x 374cm (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 154cm.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 104cm.
- There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 56cm 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 188cm.
- The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
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Other Facilities
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- There is a height adjustable wash basin.
- 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 soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 85cm from the floor.
- A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 102cm.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
- 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 meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 105cm and 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.
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.
- The majority of product aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- The venue has a payment counter.
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Payment Counter
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- The counter surveyed was located on the right.
- Signage is not provided for the counter.
- The queue width is at least 150cm and there is no need to turn.
- The payment counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- The height of the payment counter is 86cm.
- The card payment machine is portable.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Exhibition Space (Main Gallery)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- The following may be experienced here: water effects, sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
- There is background noise.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Display information includes: pictorial, audio description, information boards, touchscreens and televisions/screens.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Seating available in this area includes: sofas, benches and stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- Some tables are fixed.
- The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
Exhibition Space (North Gallery)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- The following may be experienced here: water effects, sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Display information includes: pictorial, information boards and touchscreens.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches.
- Furniture available in this area includes: picnic tables.
- The tables are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Exhibition Space (First Floor Gallery)
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- The following may be experienced here: water effects, strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
- Display information includes: pictorial, information boards and touchscreens.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located to the left, after you enter the ground floor exhibits.
- The distance from the ground floor entrance is 5m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- Floors 0, 1 and 2 are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a low 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 a medium 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 88cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 139cm (width) x 149cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
Stairs (Left)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the left after you enter ground floor exhibits.
- There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
- Floors 0, 1 and 2 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 height of the highest step is 16cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Stairs (Right)
- The stairs surveyed are located to the right, after you enter the ground floor exhibits.
- Floors 0 and 1 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 do 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 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Seating Area
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Location and Access
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- The indoor picnic area is located to the right after you enter, pass the shop area.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- The flooring is patterned.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- The tables are fixed.
- 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.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Room (Quiet Room)
- The room is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit from the lift, then left again down a short corridor through the double doors, and to the right.
- The distance from the lift is 24m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is pictorial and 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 opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 83cm.
- 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 walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
- Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests and armchairs.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the time of day.
- Announcements are audible.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Room (Multi-Faith)
- The room is located on the first floor, to the left after you exit the lift.
- The distance from the lift is 26m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is written text and pictorial 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 opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 82cm.
- 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: stools and armchairs.
- Furniture available in the room includes: coffee tables.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Additional facilities/services include: ritual washing facilities.
- There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the time of day.
- Announcements are audible.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Exit
- The exit area is clearly signed.
- There is step-free level access at the exit.
- There are double manual gates at this exit.
- The gates are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 116cm.
- The gates have a medium visual contrast.
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, to the right after you exit the lift.
- The distance from the lift is 39m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is written text and pictorial 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 medium visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 231cm (width) x 193cm (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 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 40cm from the floor.
- 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 93cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 99cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 77cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a full length mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, to the left before you exit .
- The distance from the exit is 16m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens by sliding and has a high visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm (width) x 226cm (depth) and there is not 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 84cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 45cm 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 medium visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 107cm 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 rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a medium 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 97cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 79cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is no mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 114cm and 176cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 72cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
