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LivingWell Health Club - Hilton Birmingham Metropole

The NEC Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Birmingham, B40 1PP

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Access Guide

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Spa/Leisure Facilities Summary

Drop-Off Point / Pick Up Point

  • Drop-Off Point View
    • There is a designated drop-off point.
    • The drop-off point is clearly marked.
    • The drop-off point is located in front of the main entrance.
    • The route from the drop-off point is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required due to dropped kerbs.
      There is not tactile paving at the dropped kerb.

Hotel Parking

  • Parking View
    • The hotel does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located in front of the hotel.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 367cm x 596cm.
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • Paying View
    • There are parking charges for the car park.
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the entrance to the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
    • Payment machines are located inside the hotel, opposite the Concierge Desk.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users, however payment can be made at reception.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 23m from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second barrier to access the Blue Badge and Special Requirements parking bays in front of the hotel (photograph 2).
    • Instructions for access to this area is provided at the second barrier (photograph 3).

Approach (LivingWell and Hotel Crown - South Wing Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

Outside Access (LivingWell and Hotel Crown - South Wing Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the hotel.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'LivingWell Health Clubs'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 184cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm.
    • There is not a Hilton Team Member available for assistance at this entrance.

Entrance (LivingWell Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor, to the left hand side of the hotel.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 161cm.

Reception (LivingWell)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter via the LivingWell entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m from the LivingWell entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 80cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Seats are not available for guests at reception.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • The hearing assistance system is located on the reception desk.
    • Hilton Team Members are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 15/06/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
  • Comments View
    • There is seating just off the reception area through double doors towards the swimming pool.

Lobby

  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in the lobby is tiles.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the lobby area.
    • Wayfinding signage is clearly presented/easy to read.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • This lobby does not play background music in public areas.

Step(s) (Lobby)

  • There is a/are step(s) located ahead as you enter the LivingWell entrance.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the self service hot drink station area of the lobby and the stairs to the gym.
  • There is/are 2 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Changing Area (Female)

  • Changing Area View
    • There is a/are changing area(s) available.
    • The changing area that was surveyed is located to the left as you enter, opposite the reception desk.
    • The changing area is approximately 4m from reception.
    • There is step-free access to the changing area.
    • The facilities available within the changing area include; standard changing rooms/cubicles, standard showers, standard toilets and baby change facilities.
    • This is a female changing area.
    • Similar male changing area(s) are available.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • The type of flooring in the changing area is tiles.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the changing area.
    • The changing area is open plan with bench seating.
    • There are lockers within the changing area.
    • There is a/are locker(s) within reach for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • The lighting levels in the changing area are good.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • Shower facilities are available.
    • There is step-free access to the shower facilities.
    • The shower head height(s) is/are fixed.
    • The shower control type(s) is/are twist/turn.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower(s).
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • Toilet facilities are available.
    • There is step-free access to the toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • The lighting levels in the toilet(s) are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are available.
    • Baby changing facilities are located in the changing area.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm.

Parent and Baby Room (Female Changing Area)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located within the female changing area.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 16m from the Living Well entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
  • A team member does not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm.
  • There are not disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Changing Room

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible changing room is located on the ground floor, to the rear left of the lobby area.
    • This accessible changing room is approximately 10m from the LivingWell entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible changing room.
    • This is a shared changing room.
    • A key is not required for the accessible changing room.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the accessible changing room door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 203cm x 272cm.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 137cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a colostomy bag shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 127cm.
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The wall fixed soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wall fixed soap dispenser is 115cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm.
    • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is poor.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is not a dry seat for changing.
    • There is a locker within the accessible changing room.
    • The locker is within reach for a wheelchair user.
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible changing room.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 83cm.
  • Comments View
    • The shower head can be placed between 105cm and 159cm when mounted.
    • There is a horizontal rail on the left only.
    • The emergency alarm is shared between the toilet and shower.

Sauna

  • There is step free access to the sauna.
  • The door opens towards you (pull).
  • The width of the door opening is 65cm.
  • The sauna does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The sauna has bench seating.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the sauna.

Steam Room

  • There is step free access to the steam room.
  • The door opens towards you (pull).
  • The width of the door opening is 63cm.
  • The steam room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The steam room has bench seating.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the steam room.

Swimming Pool

  • The swimming pool is situated in the leisure club.
  • The swimming pool can be used by members or guests.
  • There is not a lifeguard for the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 8 steps.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • The hoist is hydraulic.
  • There is not a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is not a wet side chair available.
  • There is not an emergency alarm at poolside.
  • There is a hot tub in the swimming pool area.
  • There are steps for access to the hot tub.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is not a hoist for wheelchair users to access the hot tub.
  • Seating around the pool includes sun loungers without armrests and benches with armrests.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the LivingWell entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, single doors, which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs can be overcome by using the Crown Lifts in the hotel to the first floor and using the first floor entrance to the leisure club.

Lift (Crown Lifts - South Wing)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left hand side of the hotel, in the South Wing.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • There is 1 other lift in this location.
  • The other lift has very similar/identical specifications.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A Hilton Team Member does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 95cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 152cm x 136cm.
  • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Entrance (LivingWell First Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor, to the left hand side of the hotel.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 114cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 77cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Fitness Suite (Core Stability Room)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is situated in the leisure club.
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor.
    • The fitness suite can be used by members or guests.
    • The fitness suite is not staffed.
    • There are surveillance cameras in the fitness suite.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • Level access is by lift.
    • The doors are manual.
    • The door opening width is 83cm.
  • Fitness Suite Information View
    • Hilton Team Members receive training in assisting disabled people.
    • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes; free weights, cable resistance machines and arm cycles.
    • The type of flooring in the fitness suite is vinyl.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop (on request only).
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Hilton Team Members are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Step(s) (First Floor)

  • There is a/are step(s) located on the first floor.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the gym from the LivingWell first floor entrance.
  • There is/are 5 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Lift (Chair Stair Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the first floor, at the steps to the gym.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is a chair stair lift.
  • A Hilton Team Member needs to be notified for use of the lift.

Fitness Suite (Gym)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is situated in the leisure club.
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor.
    • The fitness suite can be used by members or guests.
    • The fitness suite is not staffed.
    • There are surveillance cameras in the fitness suite.
    • There is not step free access to the fitness suite.
    • The door is manual.
    • The door opening width is 82cm.
  • Fitness Suite Information View
    • Hilton Team Members receive training in assisting disabled people.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes; cable resistance machines, arm cycles and free weights.
    • The type of flooring in the fitness suite is vinyl.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The type of system is a portable loop (on request only).
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Hilton Team Members are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • The type of flooring is a mixture of vinyl and rubber tiling.