You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Services and facilities available in the venue include: council chambers, meeting rooms, function suites, a customer service centre, a registrar, a café, and accessible, standard and gender neutral toilets.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Newcastle.
  • This station has step-free access.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via a slight slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
  • There are 2 other entrances.
  • 1 of the other entrances has step-free access via ramp.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the first floor of the banqueting hall from the main lift bank.
  • There is an automatic door, which is push pad activated, along one of the circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways, pillars and moveable physical obstructions.
  • Floors LG to Floor 10 can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille (on request), large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
  • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 6 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located at the rear of the Whale Coffee Co. café on the ground floor, in the corridors of floors 1, 2 and 3, and within the banquet hall of floors LG and 1.
  • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
  • Gender neutral step-free standard toilet facilities are located at the rear of the Whale Coffee Co. café on the ground floor.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the corridors of floors 1, 2 and 3.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the banqueting hall on the lower ground floor.
• Changing Places Facilities View
  • Changing Places facilities are located on the lower ground floor of the main building.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet on the ground floor, and the parent and baby feeding room on floor 2.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the rear of the building.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 233cm (width) x 520cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 125cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 73m from the rear entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight slopes.
  • This route has bollards.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors and Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

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

Entrance (Main Entrance)

• This entrance is located to the front of the building.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• 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 a single automatic door, which is push pad activated.
• The height of the push pad is 70cm.
• The door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 107cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a low colour contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 83cm.

You are on Entrance (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Rear Entrance)

• This entrance is located to the rear of the building.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide.
• There are no handrails for the ramp.
• There is an intercom at a height of 138cm.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 112cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 103cm.
• This is not a public entrance, however there is an intercom to connect to the main reception to have pre-arranged access through this door.

You are on Main Reception and Registrar Desk. Skip to the next section.

Main Reception and Registrar Desk

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• Location View
  • The reception is located on the ground floor.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 3m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 104cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The reception has a television and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a clearly signed portable 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.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • 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.
  • Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Platform Lift (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift (Ground Floor)

• The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the ground floor.
• The distance from the main entrance is 28m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There is an automatic door, which is push pad activated, along the most accessible route.
• This lift is a platform lift.

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• Platform Lift View
  • The ground and upper ground floor can be accessed by this lift.
  • 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 400kg.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 90cm (width) x 115cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • The lift is slow moving.

You are on Stairs (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Ground Floor)

• The stairs are located to the rear of the ground floor.
• The ground floor, and the main lift bank on the upper ground floor, can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
• 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 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The Whale Coffee Co.). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The Whale Coffee Co.)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Whale Coffee Co. is located on the ground floor.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • 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.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a payment counter.
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located ahead when entering.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 86cm.
  • 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 card payment machine is at a height of 93cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menu types include: countertop.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • 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 not 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: chairs with armrests, sofas, benches and high stools.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and high tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be 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.

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

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • The ground floor to the upper ground floor has step-free access via platform lift only.
  • Access to the floor 1 corridor from the first floor of the banqueting hall is via a slight ramp.
• Circulation View
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, pillars and moveable physical obstructions.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas, stools and high stools.
  • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.

You are on Lift (Rear Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Rear Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located to the right when entering the rear entrance.
• The distance from the rear entrance is 8m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • Floors LG, G, 1 - 10 can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high 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 1134kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • 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 105cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 176cm (width) x 145cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
  • Some 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 a mirror to aid reversing.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Lift (Main). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main)

• The lift surveyed is located on the ground floor.
• The distance from the platform lift is 9m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a platform lift.
• There is an automatic door, which is push pad activated, along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • Floors LG, G, 1 - 10 can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium 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 1134kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • 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 107cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 200cm (width) x 121cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a low 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 and a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

You are on Changing Places (Lower Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Lower Ground Floor)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the lower ground floor.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The distance from the lift is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • 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 high colour contrast.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 606cm (width) x 276cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the right side is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space on the left is 124cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 233cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the right transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rails have a low colour contrast.
  • There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown grab rails have a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
• Shower Details View
  • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
  • The shower controls are lever mixer.
  • There is a shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 59cm from the floor.
  • There are no grab rails for the shower.
  • There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
  • There is no emergency alarm.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
  • The wide paper roll dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 97cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 104cm and 134cm from the floor.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of the café.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 32m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has narrow walkways.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a low colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 153cm (width) x 203cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 87cm (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 low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • 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 89cm 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 72cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 102cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is no mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
  • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Lower Ground Floor to Floor 10 ). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Lower Ground Floor to Floor 10 )

• The stairs are located to the rear of the building, next to the main lifts.
• LG-10 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 unmarked.
• 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-45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Floor 2). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Floor 2)

• The room is located on floor 2.
• The distance from the main lift is 8m.
• The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
• There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• There is Braille and pictorial signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door requires effort to open.
• The width of the opening is 74cm.
• The door has a high colour contrast.
• Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 98cm.
• There is also a wash basin and a paper towel dispenser in the room.
• The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
• The room has a waste bin.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Council Chamber. Skip to the next section.

Council Chamber

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• Theatre Information View
  • Advanced bookings are not available.
  • Concessions are not available.
  • Captioned performances are not available.
  • Signed performances are not available.
  • Audio described performances are not available.
  • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are not available.
  • Sensory friendly performances are not available.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
• Auditorium View
  • The most accessible route to the auditorium has a lift.
  • There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
  • The most accessible route to a row of seating has step-free level access.
  • The following areas have stepped access: rows 1-7.
  • There is not a designated seating area in the screen.
  • Seating can be removed on rows 8-9 for wheelchair users.
  • Seating available in the auditorium includes: chairs with armrests and armchairs.

You are on Lift (Grand Banqueting Hall). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Grand Banqueting Hall)

• The lift surveyed is located in the Grand Banqueting Hall.
• The distance from the platform lift is 32m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a platform lift.
• There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
• This route has narrow walkways.

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• Standard Lift View
  • Floors LG, G and 1 of the Grand Banqueting Hall can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low colour contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 544kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • 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 82cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm (width) x 105cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a low 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 and a mirror to aid reversing.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs (Grand Hall). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Grand Hall)

• The stairs are located inside the Grand Banqueting Hall.
• Floors G, 1 and 2 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 unmarked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 13cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Pandon Suite First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Pandon Suite First Floor)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Pandon Suite is located on the first floor of the banqueting area.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.
  • There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 158cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
  • The payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the far right when entering the pandon suite.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 108cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 117cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menu types include: wall-mounted.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • 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 medium colour contrast.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.