Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- This is an art gallery and public library.
- Services available in the venue include: galleries, screening room, library, café, studio workspace and gift shop.
- 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 on-street Blue Badge Bay parking and on-street standard parking.
- The nearest train station is Queen Street.
- The nearest underground station is Buchanan Street.
- The nearest bus station is Buchanan Bus Station.
- 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 access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the café and library from the lift, and the balconies.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- The basement, ground floor and levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 portable hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
- There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- The designated safe space is located in the Prayer Room .
- Documents are available in the following formats: large print.
- There is not 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: equality training, sighted guide training, autism awareness.
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 round to the left from the lift on the Basement Level, and on Level 5.
- All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
- The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located round to the left from the lift on the Basement Level.
- The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the left from the lift on Level 5.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in 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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On-street Parking
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- On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
- The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on Queen Street.
- The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
- The standard on-street parking is located on Queen Street.
Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area is not clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
- The ramp bypasses the steps.
- There are 3 steps with no handrails.
- The steps are unmarked.
- 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.
- There are double manual doors at this entrance.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 125cm.
- The doors have a medium visual contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors.
- The second set of doors are permanently held open.
- 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.
Reception (Information)
- The reception is located to the right as you enter.
- The distance from the entrance is 10m.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 101cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the desk.
- There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
Getting Around
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the café and library from the lift, and the balconies.
- Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
- Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
- There is background noise.
- 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.
- Staff have torches available and can guide visitors in any dark areas.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located through to the rear left of the building.
- The distance from the entrance is 20m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
- The basement, ground and levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 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).
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 81cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 112cm (width) x 95cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
- Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Stairs
- The stairs surveyed are located through to the rear left of the building.
- There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
- The basement, ground and levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps have some clear markings 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.
- The steps have open risers.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Eating and Drinking (Encore Café - Basement Level)
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Location and Access
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- The café is located on the basement level, ahead down the slope from the lift, next to the library.
- The most accessible route has a lift, slight ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
- 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, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menus are available on a board.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
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Order and Payment
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- The service counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located to the left of the café.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 101cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
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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.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, armchairs and sofas.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
- 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.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- The café closes 30 minutes before the gallery closes.
Library (Basement Level)
- There is step-free level access throughout the library.
- Access throughout the library may include narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, armchairs, sofas and chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in the library includes: coffee tables, tables and desks.
- The desks are fixed.
- Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print, audio, ejournal and ebook.
Reception (Library - Basement Level)
- The reception is located in the middle of the library on the basement level.
- The distance from the lift is 40m.
- The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- There is step-free access via slope to reception.
- The slope has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
- The height of the reception desk is 95cm.
- There is a lowered section at the desk.
- The height of the lowered section is 73cm.
- The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- The flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Toilet with Adaptations (Basement Level - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on the basement level, round to the left from the lift.
- The distance from the lift is 10m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a low 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 146cm (width) x 200cm (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 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush on the non-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 48cm 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 low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 92cm 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 cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 88cm 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 106cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 128cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 84cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Shop (Gift Shop - Ground Floor)
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
- The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
- The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
- Some aisles are obstructed by product stands.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor in the majority of walkways.
- There may be background noise.
- Signage is not provided.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- The checkout area is located to the rear of the shop.
- There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
- The venue has a payment counter.
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Payment Counter
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- Signage is provided for the counter.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The payment counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- The height of the payment counter is 96cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The card payment machine is portable.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Screen (Gallery 1 - Ground Floor)
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Access To
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- The screen is located through to the rear right of the ground floor.
- The most accessible route to the screen has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access into the screen.
- The width of the opening is 192cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after screenings.
- This entrance gives access to all rows.
- 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: all rows.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey, before and after screenings.
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Designated Seating
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- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- There are bench seats, seats without armrests and beanbag seating in this area.
Exhibition Space (Balcony 1 - Level 1)
- This area is indoors.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Balcony 1 on level 1.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- 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 interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
Exhibition Space (Gallery 2 - Level 2)
- 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 flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- 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, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables and long tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
Exhibition Space (Gallery 3 and Balcony 2 - Level 3)
- All exhibits are indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Balcony 2.
- Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
- There is some 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.
- There may be background noise.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
- The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Room (Prayer Room - Level 3)
- The room is located on level 3, to the left as you enter Balcony 2.
- The distance from the lift is 15m.
- The most accessible route to the room has a very easy slope and narrow walkways.
- 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 locked door can be opened on request.
- The door opens away from you.
- The width of the opening is 81cm.
- 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 high visual contrast.
- Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and stools.
- 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, with unshaded light sources.
Exhibition Space (Gallery 4 - Level 4)
- This area is indoors.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: a link to Balcony 2 on Level 3.
- Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
- There is 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, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and stools.
- 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.
Area (Studio - Level 5)
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have stepped access: the upper area of the studio.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The flooring is shiny.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- All of the walls have a reflective finish.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Lift (Studio - Level 5)
- Level 5 - Studio.
- The lift surveyed is located in the Studio on level 5, to the left as you enter.
- This lift is a stair lift.
- The distance from the main building lift is 20m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
- The level 5 and the upper level of level 5 are accessed by this lift.
- 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 high visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 85cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 85cm (width) x 105cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 5 - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on level 5, ahead from the lift.
- The distance from the lift is 5m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a low 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 162cm (width) x 190cm (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 72cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a push button flush on the non-transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low 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 low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps cannot 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 left as you face the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 101cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin, 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 100cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
