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Catalyst Museum

Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the observatory, conference centre, museum and cafe.

Opening Hours

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Widnes.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the side of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 3 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 400cm x 400cm (13ft 1in x 13ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 61m (66yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 66m (72yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading up from the car park to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • Comments View
    • The ramp begins at the car park and does not have handrails at the start.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Museum

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • The availability of tactile signage depends on exhibition.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, please contact staff at reception.

Level Change (Museum)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The ramp does have handrails.

Eating and Drinking (Elements Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the left on entering the building.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
  • The lift is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 170cm (4ft 7in x 5ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located to the right of the reception desk.
    • The facility is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 310cm x 405cm (10ft 2in x 13ft 3in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 230cm (7ft 7in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change unit is located within the changing place.
    • The height of the unit once extended is 80cm.
    • There is a fixed baby chair to the right of the changing unit.

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.