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Birtley Leisure Centre

Durham Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 2TB

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Birtley Leisure Centre is a community-focused fitness facility in Birtley, managed by GLL under the Better brand as of April 2026.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: standard and Blue Badge parking, a gym with over 55 stations, a sports hall, a mirrored space used for a variety of fitness classes and a meeting room.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible entrance is also the main entrance.
    • There is 1 other entrance.
    • There is step-free level access at the other entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • Staff receive the following training: Disability, Equality and Inclusion Training, First Aid, Dementia and Autism Awareness Training.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located past the gym, on the left hand side corridor leading to the sports hall.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located opposite the changing room with adaptations, and within the main changing areas.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Standard changing facilities are located past the gym, on the right hand side.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard washroom facilities are located in the changing area.
    • Shower facilities with adaptations are located in the toilet with adaptations.
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the changing area.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the side of the venue.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight slope.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and visitors only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is 1 electric vehicle charging point.
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the side of the venue.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not 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.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a medium colour contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a medium colour contrast.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located immediately ahead, after entering.
    • The distance from the entrance is 5m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Meeting Room

  • The room is located to the right side of reception.
  • The distance from the entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 158cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The layout of this room may change depending on the activity or event.

Vending Machine Seating Area

  • Location and Access View
    • This area is located beyond the reception, ahead and to the left side.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access to this area.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • 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.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • 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/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located past the gym, on the left hand side corridor leading to the sports hall.
    • The distance from the entrance is 27m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 89cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 256cm (width) x 197cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 195cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 112cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the right side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 117cm and 178cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a fixed shower head.
    • The shower controls are push.
    • There is no shower seat.
    • There are no grab rails for the shower.
    • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.

Changing Area and Shower Facilities

  • Changing Area View
    • The female and male changing area was surveyed.
    • The changing area surveyed is located beyond the reception and the gym, to the right hand side.
    • The female changing area is located next to the males and is similar in layout.
    • The distance from the entrance is 35m.
    • The most accessible route to the changing area has step-free level access.
    • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
    • This route has narrow walkways.
    • There is step-free level access into the changing area.
    • There is a single manual door.
    • The door opens away from you.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 76cm.
    • The door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a second, single manual door.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 76cm.
    • The door has a high colour contrast.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • Facilities in this area include: changing cubicles, toilets, showers, a changing bench and lockers.
    • There are lockers at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The outer door into the female changing area has an opening width of 88cm.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is step-free level access to the toilet facilities.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are not available.
    • Hand washing facilities include: a wash basin and a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is step-free level access to the shower facilities.
    • There is a fixed shower head.
    • The shower controls are push.
    • There is no shower seat.
    • There are no grab rails for the shower.
    • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
    • There is a sauna in this area that is currently out of operation.
    • There is step-free level entrance to the sauna.
    • The door opening width is 82cm.

Gym

  • The gym is located beyond the reception, to the right side.
  • There is step-free level access into the gym.
  • There is an entry system at a height of 102cm.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • There is a locked extension leaf.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There are no doors along circulation routes.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The gym is staffed when open.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights, cable resistance machines, upper body machines where fixed seats can be removed and arm cycles.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Gym Entrance Turnstile

  • Turnstile View
    • This turnstile is located beyond the gym entrance door.
    • The turnstiles are not clearly signed.
    • The gym entrance turnstile was surveyed.
    • Assistance is available at the turnstiles.
    • There is step-free access via a very easy slope .
    • There is a fixed ticket reader.
    • The fixed ticket reader height is 102cm from the floor.
    • The width of the turnstile opening is 51cm.
    • The turnstile surveyed can be overcome by using the clear entrance/exit gate.

Sports Hall

  • The sports hall is accessed by passing the reception desk and turning left into the corridor.
  • There is step-free level access to this area.
  • There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 130cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There are no doors along circulation routes in this area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Area signage is provided.
  • Area signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of area signage is consistent throughout.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of wayfinding signage is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The layout of this area may change depending on the activity or event.
  • There is also access via the side entrance, if required.
  • There are 2 side entrance doors into the Sports Hall.
  • One set of double doors has an opening width of 114cm.
  • The second set of double doors has an opening width of 114cm.

Studio

  • The room is located beyond the sports hall, or alternatively, via the external, side entrance.
  • The distance from the car park via the external, side pathway is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The width of the opening is 89cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
  • There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The layout of this area may change depending on the activity or event.
  • There is internal access to the sports hall from this area, if required.
  • There is a single entrance door with a locked extension leaf.
  • The extension leaf can be opened on request.
  • The door opening width is 88cm.