You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The name of the nearest car park is Blandford Square.
  • View information on Blandford Square (opens new tab).
  • There is on-street standard parking.
  • 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 very easy slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
  • 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 ground level from the entrance level.
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
  • 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 5 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located on floors G and 2 within the standard toilets, plus there is an individual toilet with adaptations on floor 2.
  • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard male and female toilets.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the far left from the entrance, next to the main lift.
• Changing Places Facilities View
  • Changing Places facilities are located on the ground floor, to the far left from the entrance.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the standard toilets, and within the toilet with adaptations on floor 2.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• Public Parking View
  • On-street standard parking is available.
  • There is a public car park located to the front of the building.
  • The name of the car park is Blandford Square.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
  • Electric vehicle charging points are not available in the car park.
  • There are electric vehicle charging points for the on street parking on Blandford Square.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located to the front of the building.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 230cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 230cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low 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.
• There are 6 steps as you enter.
• 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 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.

You are on Information Desk. Skip to the next section.

Information Desk

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• Location View
  • The reception is located straight ahead from the entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 5m.
• 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 93cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

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

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access between floors via lift.
  • Access to level 1 is via a slight ramp.
  • The ramp is long, with a stopping place along the route.
  • Step-free acess to the viewing gallery is via a platform lift.
  • At the time of survey the platform lift was not working.
• Circulation View
  • Doors are held open 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 which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Shop. Skip to the next section.

Shop

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• Access to the Shop View
  • The shop is located at the main entrance.
  • 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 the shop.
• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are over 180cm.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located to left of the entrance.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 100cm.
  • 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.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

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

Lift (Main)

• The lift surveyed is located to the far left from the entrance.
• The distance from the entrance is 52m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp.
• There is a manual door along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 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 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 100cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 134cm (width) x 190cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a medium 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 a mirror to aid reversing.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Floors 3 and 5 are staff only and floor 4 is available to hire only.

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

Lift (Glass)

• The lift surveyed is located in the centre of the building.
• The distance from the entrance is 40m.
• 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 View
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 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 external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • Some of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 0cm (width) x 0cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high 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 an audible announcer.
  • At the time of survey the lift was out of order.

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

Lift (Viewing Gallery)

• The lift surveyed is located to the left from the entrance.
• The distance from the entrance is 30m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This lift is an enclosed platform lift.

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• Enclosed Platform Lift View
  • The lower ground floor and the viewing gallery 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 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 110cm.
  • The control buttons have a high 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.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • At the time of survey this lift was out of order.

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

Lift (Blue Service)

• The lift surveyed is located to the front from the entrance.
• The distance from the entrance is 40m.
• 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 View
  • Floors G, 1 and 2 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 2900kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile 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 130cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 215cm (width) x 240cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile 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 list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • Floors 3 and 5 are staff only and floor 4 is available to hire only.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located to the far left from the entrance.
• The ground floor and floors 1 to 5 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 17cm.
• 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 Exhibition Space. Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space

• The museum is indoors.
• There are interactive areas or exhibits in the museum.
• 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: access from the entrance.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: interactive video effects.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
• Display formats include: pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and a mobile app.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• There are talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.

You are on Eating and Drinking. Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking

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• Location and Access View
  • The café is located on floor 2, around to the right from the main lift and stairs.
  • 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 an opening without doors.
  • The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the right after entering the café.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 92cm.
  • 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.
  • The height of the tray rail is 87cm.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Menu types include: wall-mounted, menu boards and handheld.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups, two handled cups, easy grip cutlery and takeaway cutlery.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
• 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 low colour contrast.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under 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 Changing Places (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on floor 1, to rear left from entrance.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The distance from entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has a slight ramp.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial 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 88cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 243cm (width) x 278cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 165cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is in the centre of the cistern.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • 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 low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 78cm from the floor.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is free standing 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 no shower seat.
  • 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 fixed height wash basin.
  • The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor 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 87cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
  • The wide paper roll dispenser is 112cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 113cm 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 nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 180cm from the floor.
  • A privacy screen is not available.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on floor 2.
  • The distance from the lift is 8m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a standard lift.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door is automatic.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 270cm (width) x 320cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 190cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the left transfer side.
  • 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 42cm 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 high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The wash basin and tap cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 80cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 103cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 93cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is no mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 148cm and 155cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 85cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Shower Facilities View
  • There is a shower in the cubicle.
  • There is step-free level access to the shower area.
  • There is step-free level access to the shower cubicle.