You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include Ground Floor - Ernest Jones, Goldsmiths, Monsoon, Accessorize, H Samuel, EE, AnnA, Claires, New Look, Barclays, Marks and Spencer, Boots Opticians, Top Shop, Clarks, Clinton Cards, Fat Face, H&M, JD Sports, Sony Centre, Roman, Bags Etc, Card Factory, Vodafone, Next, WH Smith, Boots, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Carphone Warehouse and Muffin Break. 1st Floor - Toni & Guy, Socialites, Thompson, Elegance 4U, Thomas Cook, Stevenson & Parker, Grape Tree, Supercuts, Muffin Break, H&M, O2, Rail Booking Office, The Shaken Cow, The Kiosk, The Entertainer, Shopmobility, Anytime Fitness, Repairs Plus, Starbucks and Management Suite.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

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

You are on COVID-19 Information. Skip to the next section.

COVID-19 Information

• The information in this section was taken in March 2021.
• For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .

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

Opening Hours

• For information about the opening hours please click here.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park is located at the south end of the shopping centre.
  • The car park type is multi storey.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 420cm x 600cm (13ft 9in x 19ft 8in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 22m (24yd 2in) from the first floor car park entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the first floor 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 tarmac.
  • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The road is generally busy.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height is 200cm (6ft 7in).
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop off point.
  • The drop off point is located on the basement level, along the service road.
• Comments View
  • There are 725 parking spaces in the car park and parking is over 8 levels.
  • The spaces for Blue Badge holders are all located on Level 1 of the car park.
  • There are a number of parent and child parking spaces which are located on Levels 3,5 and 7.
  • Help points are located on levels 3,5 and 7 and at all pay stations and barrier points.
  • Entry to the car park is from 04.00 to 20.00 hours, Monday to Saturday and from 06.00 to 20.00 hours on Sunday.
  • The car park pay stations only accept cash payments.
  • The pay stations are located near Dorothy Perkins on the ground floor and opposite Shopmobility on the first floor.
  • The photographs also show the route from the Blue Badge parking bays to the entrance located on level 1.

You are on COVID-19 Information. Skip to the next section.

COVID-19 Information

• For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on Fretherne Road.
• There is not 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 220cm (7ft 3in).

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• Comments View
  • Either side of the automatic doors are single doors, which are power operated, open towards you and are 96cm wide.

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

Level Change (Main Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located either side of the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is moderate.
• There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
• The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
• There is / are 5 step(s) to the area / service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is / are medium height.
• The steps do have handrails.
• The handrails are in the centre.
• The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).

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

Outside Access (North Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located off the bus station.
• There is not 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 170cm (5ft 7in).

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• Comments View
  • To the right, as you face the automatic doors, are 4 sets of double doors, which open both ways, are heavy and are 170cm wide.

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

Level Change (North Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is moderate.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on the right going up.
• The width of the ramp or slope is 140cm (4ft 7in).
• There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
• The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
• There is / are 6 step(s) to the area / service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
• The step(s) is / are medium height.
• The steps do have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.
• The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).

You are on Outside Access (Rail Station Entrance - Level 1). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Rail Station Entrance - Level 1)

• This information is for the entrance located leading from the rail station, on the first floor.
• There is not 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 170cm (5ft 7in).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
• Comments View
  • There are 2 sets of doors side by side.

You are on Level Change (Rail Station Entrance - Level 1). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Rail Station Entrance - Level 1)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is moderate.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.
• The width of the ramp or slope is 140cm (4ft 7in).
• There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
• The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
• There is / are 10 step(s) to the area / service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is / are medium height.
• The steps do have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.
• The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).

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

Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located on level 1 of the car park.
• There is not 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 170cm (5ft 7in).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).

You are on Level Change (Car Park Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Car Park Entrance)

• There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
• The ramp or slope is located between the car park and the entrance.
• The ramp or slope is easy.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.
• The width of the ramp or slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).

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

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does play background music.
• Music is played throughout the shopping centre.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are bright.

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

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-G-1-3-5-7.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Escalators View
  • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by escalator are G-1.
  • The escalators steps are not clearly marked.
  • The foot and head of the escalators are not clearly marked.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • There is an additional set of escalators located at the north end of the Howard Centre opposite Marks and Spencer.
  • These escalators only allow access between the ground floor and the upper mall.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the south end of the Howard Centre.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are B-G-1-3-5-7.
• The lift is 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 108cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 140cm (4ft 11in 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 have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is bright.

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• Comments View
  • There is an additional lift located at the north end of the Howard Centre between the shops AnnA and Claire's.
  • The lift only allows access between the ground floor and the upper mall (level 1).
  • The basement level is only for accessing the drop off point, which is underneath the Howard Centre on the service road.
  • The main lifts are closed at 19.15 daily and access to the car park levels after this time is only by stairs.

You are on Shopmobility. Skip to the next section.

Shopmobility

• Route maps are not available.
• Manual wheelchairs are available.
• Powered wheelchairs are available.
• Powered scooters are available.
• Equipment does not have to be booked in advance.
• There is not a hire charge.
• Escorts are not normally available to assist around town / city.

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• Comments View
  • Shopmobility is located on the first floor.
  • Shopmobility has free electric scooter and manual wheelchair hire.
  • Visitors would be required to register with the centre and they will then be given a membership card for all future visits.
  • The contact telephone number for Shopmobility is 01707 336 688.
  • Staff from Shopmobility are available to meet visitors in the car park, drop off point (basement level) and the taxi ranks.
  • Shopmobility is open 10.30 to 16.30 Monday to Saturday.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • This is by lift.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from a member of centre management or security staff.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door is light.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 210cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 11in).
  • 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 145cm (4ft 9in).
  • 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 a/are 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • 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 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.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • There are 2 accessible toilets located side by side.
  • The second accessible toilet is a mirror image of the toilet surveyed and the transfer space is on the right.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are 28m (30yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
  • This is by lift.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
• Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
  • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor.
  • The male toilet(s) is/are 22m (24yd 2in) from the lift.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
  • This is by lift.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

You are on Baby Change Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Baby Change Facilities

• Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
• The baby change facilities are located on the first floor, past the accessible toilets.
• Baby change facilities are located within a mother and baby room.
• The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
• Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
• This is by lift.

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

Additional Info

• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents are not available in Braille.
• Documents are not available 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.