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 Related Access Guides (Parking). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (Parking)

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Galleries Shopping Centre - Blue Badge Car Park link (new tab) - click here
• Galleries Shopping Centre - Car Park 10-15 link (new tab) - click here
• Galleries Shopping Centre - Car Park 1-5 link (new tab) - click here

You are on Approach (South West Entrance - Near ASDA). Skip to the next section.

Approach (South West Entrance - Near ASDA)

• The surface of the approach is tarmac.
• There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
• The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 145cm.

Collapse all Expand all

• Approach View
  • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.
• Comments View
  • There is a handrail covering a part of the slope up from ASDA.
  • Access from Car Park 10-15 come via this area.
  • There is access from the bus station to the left as you face the entrance (shown in photograph 2).

You are on Outside Access (South West Entrance - Near ASDA). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (South West Entrance - Near ASDA)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the south west of the centre, near the Blue Badge car park.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the shopping centre.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 212cm.
  • 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 242cm.
  • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

You are on Outside Access (South East Entrance - Near Washington Library). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (South East Entrance - Near Washington Library)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the centre, near the neighbouring library and health centre.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the shopping centre.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is not 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) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 184cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up from the library.
  • 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.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located leading up from the library.
  • 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 are further steps to the right as you face the entrance, leading up from the pavement/pedestrian crossing (shown in photographs 7 and 8).

You are on Approach (East Entrance - Near Car Park 2). Skip to the next section.

Approach (East Entrance - Near Car Park 2)

• The surface of the approach is tarmac and block paving.
• There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
• The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 150cm.

Collapse all Expand all

• Approach View
  • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.

You are on Outside Access (East Entrance - Near Car Park 2). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (East Entrance - Near Car Park 2)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the east of the shopping centre, near Car Park 2.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the shopping centre.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Galleries Shopping Centre'.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The height of the intercom is 145cm (4ft 9in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
  • 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 154cm.
  • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

You are on Approach (North Entrance - Near Sainsbury's and Car Park 4-5). Skip to the next section.

Approach (North Entrance - Near Sainsbury's and Car Park 4-5)

• The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
• There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
• The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 150cm.

Collapse all Expand all

• Approach View
  • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.

You are on Outside Access (North Entrance - Near Sainsbury's and Car Park 4-5)). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (North Entrance - Near Sainsbury's and Car Park 4-5))

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the north east of the shopping centre, near Sainsbury's.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the shopping centre.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not 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) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 149cm.
  • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

You are on Approach (West Entrance - Near Durham House). Skip to the next section.

Approach (West Entrance - Near Durham House)

• The surface of the approach is tarmac.

Collapse all Expand all

• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has handrails on both sides.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• Comments View
  • There is level access over the Bus Station link bridge to the entrance.
  • There is a lift and escalator in the bus station that takes you up to the link bridge.

You are on Outside Access (West Entrance - Near Durham House). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (West Entrance - Near Durham House)

Collapse all Expand all

• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the west of the shopping centre, near the bus station link bridge and Durham House.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the shopping centre.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The height of the intercom is 129cm (4ft 3in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The push pad or push button is 179cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 179cm.
  • 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 196cm.
• Comments View
  • The second set of doors are to the left as you enter.

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 Internal Area(s). Skip to the next section.

Internal Area(s)

• Digital wayfinders are not available.
• Information posts are provided to aid wayfinding.
• Wall mounted signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
• The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
• There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
• The following types of seating can be found in this area; metal benches.
• There are some centrally located kiosks or shops along walkways in this area.
• 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.
• There is a ramp leading between floors near the south west entrance.

You are on Guest Services Counter (Customer Services). Skip to the next section.

Guest Services Counter (Customer Services)

• The counter is located near the east entrance.
• There is step-free access to the counter.
• There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
• There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
• The lighting levels at the counter are good.
• The height of the counter is 91cm .
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• There is not a lowered section of the counter.
• There is a staff member on hand to provided information here.
  If staff are assisting someone else there is a phone number provided to call someone else.
  The phone number is 0191 416 7177.
  There is a shopping centre map on the counter surface.
• There is not a digital wayfinding touchscreen at the counter.
• There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
• The type of system is a portable loop.
• The hearing assistance system is not signed.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• There is not a waiting area close to the counter.

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 Accessible Toilet(s) (South West Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (South West Entrance)

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

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located immediately to the right as you enter.
  • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 220cm (4ft 12in x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are non-infectious 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 not a mirror.
  • 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 103cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 121cm (3ft 12in).
  • 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) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.

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

Related Access Guides (Shopping Centre)

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Galleries Shopping Centre - First Floor link (new tab) - click here
• Galleries Shopping Centre - Centre Management link (new tab) - click here