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The Sage Gateshead

St Mary's Square, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 2JR

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include several concert halls, cafe, restaurant, music education centre, the Barbour Room and the Greggs Children's Room.

Opening Times (Ticket Office)

  • Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Gateshead.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Newcastle.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There are 20 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 300cm x 450cm (9ft 10in x 14ft 9in).
    • The nearest designated bay is 100m (109yd) from the west entrance.
    • The furthest designated bay is 130m (142yd) from the west entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The Sage Gateshead car park has 273 spaces, of which 8 are for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is pay and display.
    • There is lift access from all levels of the car park.
    • The photographs show the bays outside the west entrance and at the rear of the building.

Outside Access (West Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 190cm (6ft 3in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • There is a push pad to operate the doors and this is on a post at a height of 100cm.
    • On the left as you face the automatic doors is a revolving door.

Level Change (West Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the car park to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Outside Access (East Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • There is a push pad to operate the doors on a post at a height of 100cm.
    • On the left as you face the automatic doors is a revolving door.

Level Change (East Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the car park to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • The scooter can be used throughout the building.
  • Music is played during performances only.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Customers can charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

Reception (West Entrance)

  • The reception desk is 12m (13yd) from the west entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.

Reception (Ticket Office)

  • The reception desk is 12m (13yd) from the east entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the reception desk.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-0-1-2-3.
  • The lift is 28m (31yd) from west entrance.
  • The clear door width is 193cm (6ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 285cm (5ft 11in x 9ft 4in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift controls do have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are several lifts throughout the building and the details for the controls are the same for all of them.
    • The lifts all differ in size and can accommodate between 16 and 32 persons.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG-0-1-2-3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are several sets of stairs throughout the building and the details are the same for all of them.
    • The handrails on the stairs have Braille markings on them.

Theatre (Hall One)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit behind or beside the patron.
  • It is 12m (13yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all within the theatre.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,ask at the reception desk.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • Hall One has seating for about 1700 persons.
    • Hall One can accommodate a maximum of 19 wheelchairs, plus one companion per wheelchair user.
    • There are 6 in 'boxes'- one to each box and 13 spaces in row W of the stalls.
    • Accessible spaces are also available on levels 2 and 3.

Theatre (Hall Two)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit behind or beside the patron.
  • It is 12m (13yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all within the theatre.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,ask at the reception desk.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The auditorium has a capacity of 450 persons.
    • It can accommodate 4 wheelchairs but with advance notice, seating can be adapted to accommodate further spaces.
    • Please inform the ticket office of any requirements.

Theatre (Northern Rock Foundation Hall)

  • There are not designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit behind or beside the patron.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,ask at the reception desk.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • This hall is for rehearsal, performance and music participation.
    • There is no fixed seating, however the hall can be dressed to suit most requirements.

Theatre (The Barbour Room)

  • There are not designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,ask at the reception desk.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • This room is a space for entertainment and events for up to 300 persons.
    • The layout can be adapted to meet most function requirements.

Restaurant Bar Internal (The Sir Michael Straker Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Food is available from the bar.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 16m (17yd) from the west entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Restaurant Bar Internal (The Brassierie)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 21m (23yd) from the west entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is a varied menu.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on level 1.
    • The facility is 34m (37yd) from the west entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 255cm x 270cm (8ft 4in x 8ft 10in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the bench is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rails are on both sides.
    • The type of sink is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted hand rails are not available at the sink.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has not got a non slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
  • Comments View
    • The changing place is also equipped with a roll in shower with a fixed height seat of 50cm and an adjustable height shower.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is 21m (22yd 2ft) from the west entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the west reception desk.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 215cm x 390cm (7ft 1in x 12ft 10in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Comments View
    • The accessible toilet is also equipped with an electric height adjustable table.
    • There are accessible toilets located on all levels.
    • The photograph on the right shows the baby changing table.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Comments View
    • There are standard wheelchairs to borrow.
    • A request for these should be made in advance if possible.
    • The photograph on the left shows one of the upper level bars which all have lowered sections.
    • The photograph on the right shows the pay and display car park which is located at the rear of the building.