Access Guide
Introduction
- Access to the shopping centre is from the High Street, Queen's Road and Charter Place and all four car parks.
Opening Times (Centre)
- Monday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday 09:00 - 18:00.
- Sunday 11:00 - 17:00.
Opening Hours (Parking)
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Watford High Street.
- The nearest underground station is Watford.
Parking (King's Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
View
- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located to the south of the centre.
- The car park type is multi storey.
- There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 320cm x 380cm (10ft 6in x 12ft 6in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the car park entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 11m (12yd 1in) from the car park 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 concrete.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 198cm (6ft 6in).
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- Help points are available at the ticket machine in the car parks.
- The car park closes 1 hour after the centre.
Parking (Queen's Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
View
- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located to the east of the centre.
- The car park type is multi storey.
- There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 410cm x 510cm (13ft 5in x 16ft 9in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the car park entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the car park 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 concrete.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 198cm (6ft 6in).
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- Help points are available at the ticket machines in the car parks.
- The car park closes 1 hour after the centre.
Parking (Palace Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
View
- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located to the east of the centre.
- The car park type is multi storey.
- There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 410cm x 510cm (13ft 5in x 16ft 9in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the car park entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the car park entrance.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 198cm (6ft 6in).
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
-
Comments
View
- Help points are available at the ticket machines in the car parks.
- The car park closes 1 hour after the centre.
Parking (Charter Car Park)
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
View
- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located to the north of the centre.
- The car park type is multi storey.
- There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 380cm x 480cm (12ft 6in x 15ft 9in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 11m (12yd 1in) from the car park entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the car park 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 concrete.
- There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 198cm (6ft 6in).
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- Help points are available at the ticket machines in the car parks.
- The car park is open 24 hours.
Outside Access (High Street Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located on High Street.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 152cm.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
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Comments
View
- There are also double width manual doors on the High Street to access the shopping centre.
Outside Access (Queen's Road Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Queen's Road.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm (3ft 4in).
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Comments
View
- There are also double width manual doors on Queen's Road to access the shopping centre.
Outside Access (Charter Place Lower Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Charter Place.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 133cm (4ft 4in).
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Comments
View
- There are also double width manual doors on Charter Place to access the shopping centre.
Outside Access (Charter Place Upper Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Charter Place.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 146cm (4ft 9in).
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Comments
View
- There are also double width manual doors on Charter Place to access the shopping centre.
Outside Access (King's Car Park Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located in the car park.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in).
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Second set of doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 153cm (5ft).
Outside Access (Queen's Car Park Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located in the car park.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 270cm (8ft 10in).
Outside Access (Palace Car Park Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located in the car park.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
Outside Access (Charter Car Park Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located in the car park.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
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Comments
View
- There are two sets of doors next to each other.
- One set opens towards you (pull) and the other set opens away from you (push).
Reception (Management Suite)
- The desk/counter is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Queen's Car Park lift.
- 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.
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Comments
View
- The management suite is located on level 1 next to the Queen's car park.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service(s).
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played throughout the centre.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Comments
View
- There are various slopes throughout the two concourses in the centre.
- Bench seating is available throughout the centre.
Other Floors (Main)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LM and UM.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not 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 bright.
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Escalators
View
- Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator are LM-UM.
- The escalators steps are clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Other Floors (King's Car Park)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Other Floors (Queen's Car Park)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LM, UM, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not 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 bright.
Other Floors (Palace Car Park)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are low.
Other Floors (Charter Car Park)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LM, UM, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Lift (Main - King's Car Park)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the centre concourse, opposite the King's Car Park.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LM, UM, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the King's Car Park entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 162cm x 189cm (5ft 4in x 6ft 2in).
- 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 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 good.
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Comments
View
- This lift covers the shopping malls and the King's Car Park.
Lift (Queen's Car Park)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located beyond the Queen's Car Park entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LM, UM, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Queen's Car Park entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 163cm (5ft 7in x 5ft 4in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Lift (Palace Car Park)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located beyond the Palace Car Park entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LM, UM, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Palace Car Park entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 192cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Lift (Charter Car Park)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located beyond the Charter Car Park entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Charter Car Park entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 119cm (3ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 184cm x 129cm (6ft x 4ft 3in).
- 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 have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift controls are between 80cm and 125cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Entrance (Charter Place)
- This information is for the entrance located after the escalators on lower and upper mall charter house.
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Entrance
View
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm.
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Comments
View
- Photograph 1 shows the ground level entrance.
Accessible Toilet (Lower Mall - Right Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on the lower mall, near the High Street entrance.
- There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm (2ft 6in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 226cm (5ft x 7ft 5in).
- There is 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
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Comments
View
- If patrons need access to the radar key toilets, please dial 8211 on the internal phone next to the toilet door.
- An additional accessible toilet with transfer space on the left is located in the same area.
Level Change (Lower Mall Toilets)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located leading from the concourse to the toilet block.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Mall)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the lower mall, near the High Street entrance.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 34m (37yd 7in) from the main lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located next to the standard toilets.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
Entrance (Charter Place - Upper Mall Toilets and Baby Change)
- This information is for the entrance located to the right of the entrance to Charter Place.
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Entrance
View
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 180cm.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located along the walkway leading to the toilets.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
- The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
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Comments
View
- There are seating areas along the walkway.
- The height of the seating is 50cm.
Accessible Toilet (Charter Place - Upper Mall - Right Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the Charter Place entrance on the upper mall.
- This accessible toilet is located at the end of the upper mall toilets walkway.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 213cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 12in).
- There is 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush 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 disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- 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 good.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
View
- If patrons need access to the radar key toilets, please dial 8211 on the internal phone next to the toilet door.
Changing Places (Charter Place - Upper Mall - Left and Right Transfer)
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Location and access
View
- The facility is located at the end of the upper mall toilets walkway.
- The facility is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the Charter Place entrance on the upper mall.
- There is level access to the facility.
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Dimensions and features
View
- You do need a key for the facility.
- It is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is not push pad activated.
- The width of the door is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 400cm x 300cm (13ft 1in x 9ft 10in).
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- 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 250cm (8ft 2in).
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 adjustable.
- 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 available.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- A functioning emergency alarm is available.
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Comments
View
- There is a shower available within the changing place.
Standard Toilet(s) (Charter Place - Upper Mall)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the left as you enter.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the Charter Place entrance on the upper mall.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Parent and Baby Room (Charter Place - Upper Mall)
- There is a parent and baby room for public use.
- The parent and baby room is located at the end of the walkway to the toilets.
- The parent and baby room is approximately 45m from the Charter Place upper mall entrance.
- There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
- The baby change table is set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
- There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
- The height of the wash basin is 90cm.
- The wash basin tap type is sensor.
- There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
- There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
- There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels are good.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents are not available 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.
- This service cannot be requested.