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

Opening Times

• Monday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Tuesday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Wednesday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Thursday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Friday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Saturday 09:00 - 17:30.
• Sunday 10:00 - 16:00.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

• The shopping centre is located around 1 mile to the east of the A1(M) and A19(M) south of Gateshead.
  The A1231 is used until the junction with the A182 where the centre is accessible from the south west or north east.
• There are main car parks to the east and west with Blue Badge parking near ASDA and Sainsbury's and in Car Park 2.
• For more information on traveling to the shopping centre by car please click here (opens new tab).
• For more information on parking please click here (opens new tab)
• There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the shopping centre.
• There is a bus station located to the west of the shopping centre with link access via lift or escalator.
  The bus station is served locally and nationally by Go Northeast and National Express.
• For more information on Go Northeast please click here (opens new tab).
• For more information on National Express please click here (opens new tab).
• The nearest railway station is Chester-le-Street.
• Chester-le-Street Station is approximately 5.5 miles south west from the shopping centre.
• For more information on Chester-le-Street Station please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• Guest services associates, Security officers and Cleaning operatives receive Autism Awareness training.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language. Please phone the venue in advance for more information
• British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• The venue does not offer a quiet shopping experience.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• There are 2 main parking areas to the east (Sainsbury's/McDonalds side) and west (ASDA side) of the shopping centre.
• Car parks 1-5 are on the west with designated bays available in 2 and 4/5 (Sainsbury's).
• There is a designated Blue Badge car park to the west (over the bridge) directly in front of ASDA.
• The other car parks (10-15) are further away to the west and do not offer Blue Badge bays.
• There are parent and child bays to the west in car park 10, and to the east in 4/5 (Sainsbury's).
• Please refer to the separate car park guides for details.

You are on Approach (First Floor Entrance - Near McDonald's and Car Park 1). Skip to the next section.

Approach (First Floor Entrance - Near McDonald's and Car Park 1)

• The surface of the approach is block paving.

Collapse all Expand all

• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient.

You are on Outside Access (First Floor Entrance - Near McDonald's and Car Park 1). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (First Floor Entrance - Near McDonald's and Car Park 1)

• This information is for the entrance located to the east of the shopping centre, near the east entrance.
• This entrance gives access to the first floor of the shopping centre.
• The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
• There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
• The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
• There are no doors at this entrance.
• The width of the door opening is 240cm.
• There is a second set of doors.
• The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
• The door(s) is/are double width.
• The width of the door opening is 190cm.

Collapse all Expand all

• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance, leading to the first floor.
  • There is/are 15+ 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 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.
• Comments View
  • There is a third set of doors.
  • The doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 200cm.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ramp to First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ramp to First Floor)

• There is a ramp/slope located to the left as you enter the west entrance.
• The ramp/slope is used to access the first floor.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
• The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

You are on Entrance (First Floor Ramp Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (First Floor Ramp Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the top of the ramp from the ground floor.
• The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
• There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
• The entrance door(s) does/do 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) is/are permanently held open.
• The width of the door opening is 192cm.
• There is a second set of doors.
• The door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is/are double width.
• The width of the door opening is 183cm.

You are on Internal Area(s). Skip to the next section.

Internal Area(s)

• Digital wayfinders are not available.
• Overhead signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
• Wall mounted signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
• The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
• The following types of seating can be found in this area; metal benches.
• There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors/walkways.
• The lighting levels are good.
• Background music is played in this area.
• Background music is played throughout the shopping centre.
• There is step free access in this area.

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

Other Floors

• Stairs can be used to access other floors.
• The stairs are located near the south west entrance.
• 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 between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• 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.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
• The lighting levels at the steps are good.
• Escalators can be used to access other floors.
• The escalator(s) is/are located in the West Mall.
• Signs indicating the location of the escalators are not available from the entrance.
• The escalators only go up.
• The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G and 1.
• The escalator(s) steps are clearly marked.
• The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
• The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • There are similar stairs along the South Mall near the south east entrance.
  • There is a similar escalator in the East Mall, although it was being serviced at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift is located off the South Mall, opposite the Post Office/ASDA.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 80m (87yd 1ft) from the south west entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 high.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 254cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 4in).
• There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not 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 loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.

You are on Changing Places. Skip to the next section.

Changing Places

• The facility is located on the first floor, to the left from the lift.
• The facility is approximately 65m (71yd 3in) from the lift.
• There is level access to the facility.
• The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
• The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
• The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
• You do need a key for the facility.
• The key is a radar key.
• The key can be obtained from a member of staff, or by calling 0191 416 7177 for assistance.
• The door opens outwards.
• The door(s) is/are easy to open.
• The door is locked by a locking handle.
• The door has a horizontal grab rail.
• The width of the door is 97cm (3ft 2in).
• The dimensions of the facility are 420cm x 320cm.
• There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
• The facility has a non-slip floor.
• The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
• The facility toilet is peninsular.
• The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 108cm (3ft 7in).
• The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 280cm (9ft 2in).
• There is a/are dropdown rail(s) provided.
• As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on the right.
• The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
• As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
• The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
• The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
• The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
• There is a lever flush.
• There is a toilet roll holder.
• The toilet has a cistern.
• The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
• There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
• The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
• The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
• The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
• The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
• The facility hoist is powered overhead.
• The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
• There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
• A privacy screen is available.
• The type of wash basin is fixed.
• The height of the wash basin is 75cm.
• The wash basin tap type is lever.
• There is a mixer tap.
• Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
• As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
• The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
• There is a soap dispenser.
• The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
• Wide tear off paper roll is available.
• The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
• There is a hand dryer.
• The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
• There is a towel dispenser.
• The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
• There is a mirror.
• The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
• There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
• There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
• The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
• There is a coat hook.
• There are coat hooks in the toilet at 101cm and 143cm from the floor.
• There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
• The lighting levels are good.

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

Accessible Toilet(s)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left from the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 76m (83yd 4in) from the lift.
  • There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
  • Clear wayfinding signage for the toilet(s) is provided.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from a member of staff, or by calling 0191 416 7177 for assistance.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 225cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 65cm (2ft 2in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a radiator.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • 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.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 107cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• 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 dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Opposite Transfer Toilet(s) View
  • There is not an opposite transfer toilet in this location.
  • The opposite transfer cubicle has very similar or identical specifications.

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

Accessible Toilet(s) (Male Standard Toilets)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in the standard toilets on the first floor, to the left of the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 84m (91yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
  • Clear wayfinding signage for the toilet(s) is provided.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is not a shared toilet.
  • There are separate female and male accessible toilets in the standard toilets.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 145cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 9in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 136cm (4ft 6in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste bin.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 132cm from the floor.
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • There is not a mirror.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • The lighting levels are good.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.
• The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor, to the left from the lift.
• The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 73m (79yd 2ft) from the lift.
• There is step-free access to the female toilet(s).
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
• An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
• There is not a lowered wash basin available.
• The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
• Lighting levels are good.
• The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor, to the left from the lift.
• The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 84m (91yd 2ft) from the lift.
• There is step-free access to the male toilet(s).
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
• There is not a lowered urinal available.
• An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
• There is not a lowered wash basin available.
• The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
• There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Parent and Baby Room. Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room

• There is a parent and baby room for public use.
• The parent and baby room is located on the first floor, to the left from the lift.
• The parent and baby room is approximately 86m from the lift.
• There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
• The baby change table is 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
• There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
• There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
• The height of the wash basin is 82cm.
• The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
• There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
• There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
• There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• The lighting levels are good.

You are on Related Access Guides (Shopping Centre). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (Shopping Centre)

• Galleries Shopping Centre - Ground Floor link (new tab) - click here
• Galleries Shopping Centre - Centre Management link (new tab) - click here