You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

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

You are on Opening Hours. Skip to the next section.

Opening Hours

• For information about the opening hours please click here.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

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

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• 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.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• 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.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Museum. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Level Change (Museum). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Museum)

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

You are on Eating and Drinking (Elements Café). Skip to the next section.

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.
• 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.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• 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.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

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.

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• Comments View
  • This is a scenic lift.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right on entering.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
• Comments View
  • Photographs 4 and 5 are from the male standard toilet.

You are on Changing Places. Skip to the next section.

Changing Places

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• 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.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

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.