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Borough Hall

Middlegate , Headland, Hartlepool, TS24 0JD

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Hartlepool.

Opening Times

  • Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 120cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is a section of the slope to the left as you face the entrance which is steep.
    • The steep section of slope can be avoided by approaching from the front right.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the main hall and ceremony room during some events.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Level Change (Balcony)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the front right and rear right of the main hall as you enter via the main entrance.
  • There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

Level Change (Constable's Bar)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located to the front right of the hall as you enter, leading to Constable's Bar.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the front right of the hall as you enter, leading to Constables Bar.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Eating and Drinking (Constable's Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located at the front right of the building.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • 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.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 102cm (3ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead as you enter the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 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 have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 medium.

Meeting Rooms

  • There are 2 meeting rooms.
  • The meeting rooms are located on the first floor, to the right and left as you exit the lift.
  • The largest meeting room is the Croft Room, at the right hand side of the building as you exit the lift (shown in photographs 1-4).
  • The Croft Room is 6m from the lift.
  • The door is single.
  • The door opens away from you (push).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The clear door width is 75cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the room.
  • There are chairs in the room.
  • Some of the chairs have armrests.
  • The smallest meeting room is the Sandwellgate Room, at the left hand side of the building (shown in photographs 5-8).
  • The Sandwellgate Room is 10m from the lift.
  • The door is single.
  • The door opens away from you (push).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The clear door width is 75cm.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the room.
  • There are tables and chairs.
  • The height of the tables is 72cm.
  • Some of the chairs have armrests.
  • Some of the chairs are height adjustable.

Middlegate Room

  • The Middlegate Room is the used for weddings and civil ceremonies.
  • The Middlegate Room is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
  • The Middlegate Room is 8m from the lift.
  • The door is single.
  • The door opens away from you (push).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the room.
  • There are chairs.
  • The chairs do not have armrests.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the entrance to the Constable's Bar area.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 184cm (4ft 11in x 6ft).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 197cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 6in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the centre left of the building as you enter, in the main hall.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the rear left of the building as you enter, in the main hall.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional standard toilets in the entrance to the bar and on the first floor.
    • The ambulant cubicle in the standard male toilets is shown in photograph 4.

Level Change (Standard Male Toilets)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in the entrance to the standard male toilets.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.