Access Guide
Overview
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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 Birmingham New Street.
- This station has step-free access.
- The nearest tram stop is Brindley Place or Library.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- There is no main entrance.
- There is 1 other entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the other entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: level 2 of the building, Subway, Starbucks, the toilets and Centenary Square entrance.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps: Subway, Starbucks, the toilets and Centenary Square entrance.
- There are no doors along circulation routes.
- Access throughout may include pillars and moveable physical obstructions.
- Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed via a standard lift, escalator and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- Seating is available.
- There are both fixed and portable hearing assistance systems.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print (on request).
- There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Related Access Guides View
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 13 toilets with adaptations.
- The toilets with adaptations are located on each level and near halls 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11.
- The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
- Ambulant toilet facilities are located on level 5, in the female toilet opposite hall 4.
- Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on each level and near halls 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 11.
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Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located on level 2.
Parking (Blue Badge Only)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off Cambridge Street.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of block paving.
- There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 223cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 24m from the level 3 Brindley Place entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop-off point available.
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Public Parking
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- There is a public car park located off Gas Street.
- The name of the car park is Quayside Tower.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
- Electric vehicle charging points are not available in the car park.
Entrance (Level 3 Brindley Place - from Blue Badge Parking)
- This entrance is located to the right of the Blue Badge parking spaces.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There is an intercom at a height of 83cm.
- There are double automatic doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 122cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 108cm.
Entrance (Centenary Square)
- This entrance is located off Centenary Square.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There are double automatic doors.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 170cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a medium colour contrast.
- There is ramped and stepped access as you enter.
- The ramp bypasses the steps.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is over 150cm wide.
- There are handrails on both sides and also a central handrail.
- There are 3 steps as you enter.
- There are handrails on both sides and also a central handrail.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not 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 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
Reception
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Location
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- The reception is located on level 3.
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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 111cm.
- There is a lowered section at the desk.
- The height of the lowered section is 74cm.
- The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is not step-free level access throughout.
- The following areas have stepped access: level 2 of the building, Subway, Starbucks, and the toilets.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps: Subway, Starbucks, and the toilets.
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Circulation
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- There are manual doors along circulation routes.
- Access throughout may include pillars.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- There is background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Starbucks
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Location and Access
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- The most accessible route has a slight ramp.
- 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 straight ahead after you enter area.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 93cm.
- 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 (digital), countertop and online.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
- 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 high colour contrast.
- The flooring is shiny.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and benches.
- Some seating is fixed.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and long tables.
- Some tables are fixed.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
Subway
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Location and Access
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- The most accessible route has a slight ramp.
- 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 straight ahead after you exit the ramp.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 87cm.
- 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 not available.
- Menu types include: wall-mounted (digital), countertop and online.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
- There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
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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 colour contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this area includes: high stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: high tables.
- The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Central Mall - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located on level 3, to the right after you enter the building via the Centenary Square entrance.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp.
- Doors are held 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 is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 79cm.
- 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 low colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 170cm (width) x 247cm (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 103cm (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 no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has lever taps.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the left side of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has 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 high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 123cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 83cm 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 an unobstructed shelf.
- The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 105cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 83cm.
- The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
Hall 6(a)
- Hall 6 is located on level 3.
- There is step-free level access to this area.
- There is written text and numbered signage on or near the entrance.
- There are double manual doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The doors require effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 157cm.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- The doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 151cm.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There are no doors along circulation routes in this area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The flooring is patterned.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- The layout of the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
- The type of flooring in the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
- During some events there may be additional food and drink services available.
- The lighting levels in the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Hall 6(a) - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located on level 3, to the left of Hall 6(a)
- This toilet can also be used by wheelchair users who are in Hall 5.
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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 tactile and 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 86cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- 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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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 184cm (width) x 218cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
- The lateral transfer space is 74cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a push button flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
- 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 low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm 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 wash basin mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high 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 mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Lift (Platform Lift - Hall 11(a)
- The lift surveyed is located on level 3, before the entrance to Hall 11(a).
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
- This lift is an enclosed platform lift.
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Enclosed Platform Lift
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- The lift door has a low colour contrast.
- 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 600kg.
- The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 89cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 74cm (width) x 143cm (depth).
- The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
- None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift has a separate door to exit.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Hall 11(a)
- Hall 11(a) is located on level 3.
- There is step-free level access via lift to this area.
- The lift bypasses steps.
- There are 7 steps to this area.
- There are handrails on both sides and also a central handrail.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not 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 16cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is written text and numbered signage on or near the entrance.
- There are double manual doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The doors require effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 154cm.
- The doors have a high colour contrast.
- The doors open towards you.
- The width of the opening is 155cm.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- There is stepped access to the platform at the front of the hall.
- There are no doors along circulation routes in this area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The flooring is patterned.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- The layout of the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
- The type of flooring in the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
- During some events there may be additional food and drink services available.
- The lighting levels in the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Hall 11(a) - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located on level 3, to the right of Hall 11(a).
- The distance from Hall 11(a) is 7m.
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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 75cm.
- 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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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 173cm (width) x 173cm (depth).
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
- The lateral transfer space is 76cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a push button flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
- 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 50cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 102cm 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 71cm 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 high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 99cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
- The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
- The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 125cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Escalators (Central)
- The escalators surveyed are located in the centre of level 3, near the reception counter.
- Levels 3 and 4 can be accessed by escalator.
- The step markings are not clearly visible.
- The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are not clearly marked.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Stairs (Central)
- The stairs are located in the centre of level 3, near the reception counter.
- Levels 3 and 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not 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 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Stairs (next to Starbucks)
- The stairs are located on level 3, to the left of Starbucks.
- Levels 3 and 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
- 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 15cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Lift (Centenary Square)
- The lift surveyed is located to the left after you enter via the Centenary Square entrance.
- The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Standard Lift
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- Levels 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a low colour contrast.
- 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 1000kg.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
- The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 109cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 148cm (width) x 136cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
- The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
- Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer, an intercom hearing assistance system and a mirror to aid reversing.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
Stairs (Centenary Square)
- The stairs are located to the left after you enter via the Centenary Square entrance.
- Levels 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
- 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 15cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Lift (Brindley Place)
- The lift surveyed is located to the left after you enter via the Brindley Place entrance.
- The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Standard Lift
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- Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a low colour contrast.
- 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 1600kg.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
- The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 98cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 145cm (width) x 185cm (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.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and an intercom hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
