Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- Facilities available in the venue include: a 25 metre four-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, a gym, 2 sports halls, 2 fitness studios, cycling studio and cafe.
- View information on opening times.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- The nearest train station is Carpenders Park Station.
- This station has step-free access.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the most accessible entrance.
- The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There is a manual door along one of the circulation routes.
- The first floor can be accessed via a platform lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- Seating is available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
- The toilets with adaptations are located behind reception, within the changing village and on the first floor corridor.
- The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
- Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the changing village and dryside changing areas.
- Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located behind reception, within the changing village and within dryside changing areas.
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Changing Places Facilities
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- Changing Places facilities are located within the changing village.
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Changing Facilities
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- Changing facilities with adaptations are located in the changing village on the ground floor and on the first floor corridor.
- Standard changing facilities are located on the ground floor behind reception and on the first floor.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the changing village.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- Standard washroom facilities are located within the changing village and within dryside changing areas.
- Shower facilities with adaptations are located within the changing village and within dryside changing areas.
- Standard shower facilities are located within the changing village and within dryside changing areas.
Parking
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the left and rear of the venue on Gosforth Lane.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 110cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 47m from the entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has very easy slopes.
- This route has bollards.
- There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for visitors only.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- There are 3 electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
- The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay designated for Blue Badge holders are 240cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
- The controls for the Blue Badge charging points are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The nozzle holster for the Blue Badge charging points is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- You do not need an online account to use the charging point.
- Payment can be made with a credit/debit card (contactless) and via an app.
- The nearest Blue Badge charging point is 47m from the entrance.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the venue on Gosforth Lane.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
- There are 2 steps as you enter.
- There are handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 14cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
- There are double automatic doors.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 123cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 114cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
Reception
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Location
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- The reception is located ahead as you enter the venue.
- The distance from the entrance is 5m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access to the reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 104cm.
- There is a lowered section at the desk.
- The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by key card.
- The closed security gate for wheelchair users is 123cm wide and opens away from you.
Eating and Drinking (Cafe)
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Location and Access
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- The cafe is located on the left as you enter the venue.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is open plan access.
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Order and Payment
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
- The service counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located on the right of the cafe.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 94cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The payment machine is portable.
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Service
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- This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menu types include: wall-mounted and wall-mounted (digital).
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
- The flooring is patterned.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access between floors via platform lift.
- There is step-free level access throughout walkways.
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Circulation
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- There is a manual door along one of the circulation routes.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: sofas.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Toilet with Adaptations (Left hand transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located ahead as you enter the venue.
- The distance from the entrance is 11m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 85cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 152cm (width) x 220cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 88cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the non-transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 142cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Pools
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Pool 1
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- The pools can be accessed via the changing village.
- This is an indoor pool.
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Seating available around the pool includes: benches.
- There is an emergency alarm poolside.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- The pool has step-free access via hoist only.
- Alternatively, access into the water is via 5 steps or a ladder.
- There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The following adaptations are available for disabled people: a pool lift and a submersible wheelchair.
- The pool is staffed at all times.
- There is a training pool next to the main pool with similar accessible access.
Changing Village
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Changing Area
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- The female and male changing area was surveyed.
- The changing area surveyed is located ahead as you enter the venue.
- The distance from the entrance is 12m.
- The most accessible route to the changing area has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the changing area.
- There are double manual doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The doors require effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 168cm.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- Facilities in this area include: changing cubicles, a Changing Places facility, a changing facility with adaptations, toilets, showers, baby change facilities and lockers.
- There are lockers at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 91cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
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Toilet Facilities
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- There is step-free level access to the toilet facilities.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- The cubicle does not have vertical grab rails.
- It has horizontal grab rails on both sides.
- Hand washing facilities include: a wash basin and a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The wash basin has a push tap.
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Shower Facilities
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- There is step-free level access to the shower facilities.
- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are twist/turn.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The Changing Places facility surveyed is located to the left as you enter the changing village.
- The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The distance from the changing village entrance is 5m.
- The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 100cm.
- The door has a locking handle.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the facility are 397cm (width) x 295cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
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Toilet Details
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- There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the right side is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 242cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 81cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the left transfer side.
- There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast.
- There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The dropdown grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
- The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
- The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
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Shower Details
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- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are lever.
- There is no shower seat.
- There are no grab rails for the shower.
- There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
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Other Facilities
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- There is a height adjustable wash basin.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 106cm and 140cm from the floor.
- A privacy screen is not available.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Changing Room with Adaptations (Wetside)
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Location and Access
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- The changing room surveyed is located to the left as you enter the changing village.
- The distance from the changing village entrance is 7m.
- The most accessible route to the changing room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the changing room.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 82cm.
- The door has a locking handle.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- Washing and toilet facilities available in the changing room include: a wheel-in shower, a toilet with adaptations and a wash basin.
- Changing facilities available in the changing room include: a dry seat for changing.
- The dimensions of the changing room are 260cm (width) x 240cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 173cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 93cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 146cm from the floor.
- There is a wheel in shower in the changing room.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are lever mixer.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 49cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are dropdown rails for the shower.
- The dropdown rails for the shower have a varying colour contrast.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Lift (Platform)
- The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the left as you enter the venue.
- The distance from the entrance is 8m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This lift is a platform lift.
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Platform Lift
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- The ground and first floors can be accessed by this lift.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The weight limit for the lift is 500kg.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
- The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
- The lift is slow moving.
Stairs
- The stairs are located ahead and to the left as you enter the venue.
- The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
- There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Gym
- The gym is located to the right as you exit the platform lift at the end of the corridor.
- There is step-free level access into the gym.
- There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 118cm.
- There are double manual doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The doors require effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 160cm.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- The exit button is at a height of 103cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout.
- There are no doors to open along circulation routes.
- Access throughout may include narrow walkways, pillars and moveable physical obstructions.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The gym is staffed when open.
- The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
- Equipment includes free weights, cable resistance machines, upper body machines where fixed seats can be removed and arm cycles.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this room.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Changing Area (Dryside)
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Changing Area
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- The male changing area was surveyed.
- The changing area surveyed is located to the left as you exit the platform lift.
- The distance from the platform lift is 3m.
- The most accessible route to the changing area has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the changing area.
- There is a single manual door.
- The door opens away from you.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 84cm.
- The door has a high colour contrast.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- Facilities in this area include: toilets, showers, a changing bench and lockers.
- There are lockers at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
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Toilet Facilities
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- There is step-free level access to the toilet facilities.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- The cubicle does not have vertical grab rails.
- It has horizontal grab rails on both sides.
- Hand washing facilities include: a wash basin and a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The wash basin has a push tap.
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Shower Facilities
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- There is step-free level access to the shower facilities.
- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are twist/turn.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
Changing Room with Adaptations (First floor corridor)
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Location and Access
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- The changing room surveyed is located to the right as you exit the platform lift.
- The distance from the platform lift is 6m.
- The most accessible route to the changing room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the changing room.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 83cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a medium colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- Washing and toilet facilities available in the changing room include: a wheel-in shower, a toilet with adaptations and a wash basin.
- Changing facilities available in the changing room include: a dry seat for changing.
- The dimensions of the changing room are 238cm (width) x 249cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
- The lateral transfer space is 161cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the non-transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 106cm and 141cm from the floor.
- There is a wheel in shower in the changing room.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are lever mixer.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 51cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are dropdown rails for the shower.
- The dropdown rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
