You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

Collapse all Expand all

• By Road View
  • The Oracle is in the centre of Reading, with various routes to the venue.
    For sat nav users please use the following postcodes for our car parks:
    Holy Brook Car Park, Bridge Street, RG1 2LR.
    The Riverside Car Park, Mill Lane, RG1 2AG.
  • There are two car parks available: Holy Brook and The Riverside.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • Reading has an award-winning and excellent bus network including Park and Ride schemes stopping near The Oracle.
    Most buses run late into the night.
    There are also a number of buses that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, these are the emerald 5, emerald 6, purple 17 and claret 21.
    The Reading ReadiBus has a drop-off point outside the Yield Hall entrance.
    ReadiBus is the dial-a-ride bus service for people with restricted mobility in and around Reading.
    For more information on Readibus please click here (opens in new tab).
  • For more information on Reading Buses please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Reading.
  • Reading Station has connections throughout the UK and is situated just 5 minutes walk away.
    Simply exit the station through the main entrance and cross over the pedestrian crossing immediately outside.
    Turn left and follow the road straight ahead until you come to the end of the road which brings you out into Broad Street opposite John Lewis.
    Turn left and The Oracle is on the right hand side, opposite Marks and Spencer.
  • For more information on Reading Station please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• For more information on Shopmobility please click here (new tab).
• There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language. Please phone the venue in advance for more information
• Guest Services Associates do receive training in escorting visually impaired people.
• Escorts do need to be booked in advance.
  Trained escorts are available for people with a visual impairment.
  Visual escorts do need to be booked in advance.
  Trained escorts are available for people with a hearing impairment.
  Hearing escorts do need to be booked in advance.
• Alternative formats of the shopping centre map are available in large print.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• The venue offers a quiet shopping experience.
• Autism hours occur on the first Tuesday of every month, 09:30-11:30. Please call in advance for further information.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include ceiling track hoists, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, motorised wheelchairs and adjustable beds.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact the Guest Services Counter on Level 1.
• A Shopper's Assistant is also available Monday - Wednesday to help the elderly and people with mobility problems.
  To book this service in advance contact the Guest Services Counter on Level 1.
• Membership with Shopmobility is free.
  There is a drop off area just outside the Shopmobility.
  There is a ReadiBus stop outside the Yield Hall Entrance.
  ReadiBus is a free local disability bus.
• At the time of survey (February 2022) Oracle Shopmobility was closed, however mobility equipment can still be provided via the Guest Services Counter on Level 1.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• For information about the Holy Brook Car Park please click here (opens in new tab)
• For information about Riverside Car Park please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Outside Access (Broad Street Entrance -Town Walk - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Broad Street Entrance -Town Walk - Level 2)

• This information is for the entrance located just off Broad Street.
• This entrance gives access to level 2 of the shopping centre.
• The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
• This entrance sign says 'The Oracle'.
• There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
• There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
• The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is/are double width.
• The width of the door opening is 267cm.

You are on Step(s) (Broad Street Entrance to Town Walk - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (Broad Street Entrance to Town Walk - Level 2)

• There is a/are step(s) located just beyond the entrance.
• The step(s) is/are used to access Town Walk - Level 2.
• There is/are 15+ step(s).
• The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

You are on Escalator(s) (Broad Street Entrance to Town Walk - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Escalator(s) (Broad Street Entrance to Town Walk - Level 2)

• Wayfinding signage is provided for escalators.
• The escalators go both up and down.
• The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are Broad Street Entrance and Town Walk - Level 2.
• The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
• The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
• The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.

You are on Lift (Broad Street Entrance to Town Walk - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Broad Street Entrance to Town Walk - Level 2)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located Just beyond the entrance.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
• There is 1 other lift in this location.
• The other lift has very similar/identical specifications.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are Broad Street Entrance and Town Walk - Level 2.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 195cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 5in).
• There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift controls are within 112cm and 126cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

You are on Internal Area(s) (Town Walk - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Internal Area(s) (Town Walk - Level 2)

• Digital wayfinders are not available.
• Information posts are provided to aid wayfinding.
• Wall mounted signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
• Dementia friendly signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
• The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
• There is some flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
• There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
• The following types of seating can be found in this area; wooden benches and sofas.
• There are some centrally located kiosks or shops along walkways in this area.
• There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
• The lighting levels are good.
• Background music is not played in this area.
• There is step free access in this area.
• There is a very easy slope leading from the Broad Street entrance to the rear of the level.

You are on Other Floors (Central). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Central)

• Stairs can be used to access other floors.
• The stairs are located at the centre of the shopping centre, opposite NatWest.
• The floors which are accessible by stairs are Holy Brook Walk (Level 1), Town Walk (Level 2), Holy Brook Car Park Level 1 and Holy Brook Car Park Level 2.
• There are 15+ steps between floors.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The steps have a handrail on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• There is a landing.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
• The lighting levels at the steps are good.
• Escalators can be used to access other floors.
• The escalator(s) is/are located at the centre of the shopping centre, opposite Next.
• Signs indicating the location of the escalator(s) are clearly visible from the entrance.
• The escalators go both up and down.
• The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are Holy Brook Walk (Level 1) and Town Walk (Level 2).
• The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
• The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
• The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • This stairs have open risers.

You are on Lift (Central). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Central)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in the centre of the shopping centre, opposite Next.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
• There is 1 other lift in this location.
• The other lift has very similar/identical specifications.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are Holy Brook Walk (Level 1), Town Walk (Level 2), Holy Brook Car Park Level 1 and Holy Brook Car Park Level 2.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 135cm (4ft 5in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 230cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 7in).
• There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift controls are within 110cm and 125cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

You are on Lift (Riverside Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Riverside Entrance)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located just beyond the Riverside entrance.
• The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
• There is 1 other lift in this location.
• The other lift has very similar/identical specifications.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are Riverside Entrance - Holy Brook Walk (Level 1) - Town Walk (Level 2).
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 135cm (4ft 5in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 230cm x 180cm (7ft 7in x 5ft 11in).
• There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Town Walk - Level 2 - Left Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Town Walk - Level 2 - Left Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
• This accessible toilet is located next to the lift that goes up to the Shopmobility or down to the Yield Hall Lane / ReadiBus exit.
• There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• This is a shared toilet.
• A key is required for the accessible toilet.
• The key is a radar key.
• The key can be obtained from shopmobility or the customer service desk.
• There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
• The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
• The door opens outwards.
• The door is easy to open.
• The door is locked by a locking handle.
• The width of the accessible toilet opening is 94cm.
• The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
• The door has a horizontal grab rail.
• The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
• The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 218cm (5ft x 7ft 2in).
• The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
• The lighting levels are good.
• There is a lateral transfer space.
• As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
• The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
• The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
• There is a flush on the transfer side.
• There is not a spatula type lever flush.
• There is a sensor flush.
• There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
• The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
• There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
• As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
• There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
• There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
• The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
• The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
• There is an emergency alarm.
• The alarm did not sound when tested.
• There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
• Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
• There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
• There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• There is a mirror.
• The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
• There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
• The toilet has a backrest.
• The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
• The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
• There is a toilet roll holder.
• The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
• The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
• The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
• There is a wash basin.
• The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
• The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
• The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
• The wash basin tap type is sensor.
• There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
• The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
• The height of the soap dispenser is 85cm.
• There is not a towel dispenser.
• There is a hand dryer.
• The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
• The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • This accessible toilet can also be accessed via Level 2, through unmarked doors located opposite Kiko Milano (photographs 4 and 5).

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

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on Holy Brook Walk - Level 1.

You are on The Oracle. Skip to the next section.

The Oracle

• For information about Holy Brook Walk - Level 1 please click here (opens in new tab)
• For information about the Riverside please click here (opens in new tab).