You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • This is an Art Gallery .
  • The venue has 4 floors.
  • Services and facilities on the lower ground floor include: the main reception, a toilet with adaptations and a gift shop.
  • Services and facilities on the ground floor include: a gift shop, a café, toilets and exhibits.
  • Services and facilities on the mezzanine floor include: a function room.
  • Services and facilities on the first floor include: multiple exhibits.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The nearest car park is located on Saville Row.
  • View information on Saville Place Car Park (opens new tab).
  • There is on-street Blue Badge Bay 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 slight slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Doors are held open along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include pillars.
  • The lower ground, ground, mezzanine and first floor can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: headphones for noise cancellation that can be requested from the reception.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille, Braille (on request), large print and large print (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 4 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located on the lower ground, in the ground floor Marble Hall corridor, and to the rear of Café Laing. .
  • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the rear of Café Laing.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in all the toilets with adaptations.

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 designated Blue Badge parking is available.
  • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on Higham Place.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • There is a public car park located on Saville Row.
  • The name of the car park is Saville Place Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
  • Electric vehicle charging points are not available in the car park.

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

Main Entrance

• This entrance is located at 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 access via a slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 160cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 115cm.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.

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.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Circulation View
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include pillars and permanent physical obstructions.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is not consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas and benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Main Reception. Skip to the next section.

Main Reception

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• Location View
  • The reception is located on the left when entering the main entrance.
  • 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 121cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 82cm.
  • The reception has windows which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • 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: chairs without armrests.

You are on Shop (Lower Ground). Skip to the next section.

Shop (Lower Ground)

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• Access to the Shop View
  • The shop is located ahead when entering 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.
  • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • Some aisles did have obstructions at the time of the survey, these included: product displays and pillars.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Seating available for customers includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located on the left when entering the art gallery entrance.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 120cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 81cm.
  • The counter has windows which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 88cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower ground floor, to the left of the shop.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
• 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 inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • There is a second door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 237cm (width) x 257cm (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 167cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever 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 medium colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 46cm 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 medium colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has lever mixer taps.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the left side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 118cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 108cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 95cm.
  • 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.

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

Lift (Main Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located on the lower ground floor, to the right when entering the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
• 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
  • The lower ground, ground, mezzanine and first floors 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 630kg.
  • 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 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 138cm (width) x 108cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer 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 Stairs (Lower Ground to Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Lower Ground to Ground Floor)

• The stairs are located ahead when entering the main entrance.
• The lower ground and ground floor 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 have some clear markings.
• 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 and unshaded light sources.

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

Shop (Ground Floor)

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• Access to the Shop View
  • The TWEM shop is located on the ground floor.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into the shop.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 198cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
• Shop View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are over 180cm.
  • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
  • Aisles did have obstructions at the time of the survey, these included: product displays.
  • Product displays/containers that may be more difficult for some to reach or open include: low shelving and high shelving.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counters and Checkouts View
  • The payment counter is located ahead when entering the shop.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 70cm.
  • 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 97cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Room (Under 5's Playspace). Skip to the next section.

Room (Under 5's Playspace)

• The room is located on the ground floor, to the left of the marble hall corridor.
• The distance from the lift is 22m.
• The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is an entry system at a height of 74cm.
• There is a single manual door.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 86cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a high colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
• Some seating is fixed.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• None of the tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a play area.
• There may be background noise in this room.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Room (Laing Studio). Skip to the next section.

Room (Laing Studio)

• The room is located on the ground floor, to the left of the marble hall corridor.
• The distance from the lift is 22m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• There is written text 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 87cm.
• The door has a low colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• None of the tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a television and a television with subtitles.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• 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 (Café Laing). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Café Laing)

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• Location and Access View
  • Café Laing is located to the rear of the ground floor Marble Hall.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.
  • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 132cm.
  • The doors have a high colour contrast.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • The payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the right when entering the café.
  • 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 windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 90cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
  • The height of the tray rail is 78cm.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Menu types include: countertop 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: 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 space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • 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 Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Northern Spirit). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Northern Spirit)

• The area is indoors.
• This area is interactive.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises and lighting effects.
• 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.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• Display formats include: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.

You are on Stairs (Barbour Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Barbour Gallery)

• The stairs are located to the left of the Marble Hall corridor.
• The ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not 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 have some clear markings.
• 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 Stairs (Marble Hall - Ground, Mezzanine and First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Marble Hall - Ground, Mezzanine and First Floor)

• The stairs are located on the ground floor of Marble Hall.
• The ground, mezzanine and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• 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 Room (Function Room). Skip to the next section.

Room (Function Room)

• The room is located on the mezzanine floor.
• The distance from the lift is 3m.
• The most accessible route to the room has a lift.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The doors require effort to open.
• One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
• The locked door can be opened on request.
• The width of the opening is 80cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening .
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• None of the tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• Additional facilities/services include: a television and a television with subtitles.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Exhibition Space (First Floor - Ticketed Exhibitions A and B). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (First Floor - Ticketed Exhibitions A and B)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• 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.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• Display formats include: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (First Floor - Exhibitions C and D - 100 Years of Collecting). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (First Floor - Exhibitions C and D - 100 Years of Collecting)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• There is no (or very little) 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.
• Display formats include: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (First Floor - Exhibit E - Chris Killip: The Last Ships). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (First Floor - Exhibit E - Chris Killip: The Last Ships)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• There is no (or very little) 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.
• Display formats include: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.

You are on Exhibition Space (First Floor - Barbour Watercolour Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (First Floor - Barbour Watercolour Gallery)

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
• 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.
• Display formats include: information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.
• Step-free access to the Barbour Watercolour Gallery is through Exhibit B.