Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include science theatre, planetarium, 2 cafes, a maker zone, and a gift shop.
Opening Times
- Monday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Sunday 11:00 - 18:00.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.
- The nearest Metro Station is Newcastle Central.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Times Square Car Park.
- The car park is located on Railway Street.
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- The Times Square car park has a height restriction of 215cm and contains 15+ designated parking bays.
- There are 2 designated blue badge parking bays available for visitors on Central Parkway behind the building (as shown in photographs 2 and 3).
- There is barrier entry to Central Parkway, access to the road is via intercom (as shown in photograph 4).
- Central Parkway does have some standard parking spaces which could be used however, please call in advance to for further information (as shown in photograph 5).
- Visitors using these parking bays can be accompanied into the building via the conferencing and banqueting centre entrance 8 metres away (as shown in photograph 6).
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building on Times Square.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 124cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 124cm.
Outside Access (Times Square Café and Shop Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the building, on Times Square.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 116cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 116cm.
Reception
- The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/01/2020.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
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Comments
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- There are security gates next to the reception to enter the exhibitions.
- There is a 82cm wide gate for wheelchair users (as shown in photograph 4).
- There are two 52cm wide turnstile gates (as shown in photograph 5).
- A wider access point is available on request via the exhibitions area exit (shown in photograph 6).
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- The venue contains a science theatre and planetarium.
- Each have induction hearing assistance available.
Level Change (Ground Floor to First Floor)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the right hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
Eating and Drinking (Life Café)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the left hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 102cm (3ft 4in).
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not 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 hot and cold meals and snacks.
Counter (Life Shop)
- The counter is 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The height of the counter is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the counter is 78cm.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- This counter is the rear part of the reception desk and shares the reception portable hearing loop.
Eating and Drinking (Times Square Café)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located at the front right of the building as you enter, on the ground floor.
- The bar does not serve food.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Times Square Café Entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not 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 pastries, sandwiches, salads and jacket potatoes.
Museum
- Exhibits cannot be audio described.
- Tactile signage for exhibits is available.
- Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
- Video tours are not available.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- Concessions are available.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow the wheelchair, a member of staff at reception.
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Comments
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- The majority of the exhibits are interactive and are positioned at a suitable height for wheelchair users.
- There are wheelchair suitable spaces in demonstration and talk areas.
Level Change (Planetarium)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located leading to the Planetarium entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
Theatre (Planetarium)
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located in at the rear of the Planetarium.
- Wheelchairs are left with you.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit beside you.
- This venue does not provide audio described performances.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow a wheelchair, contact a member of staff.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
Theatre (Science Theatre)
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located in at the rear of the Theatre.
- Wheelchairs are left with you.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit in front of you.
- This venue does not provide audio described performances.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow a wheelchair, contact a member of staff.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
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Comments
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- The seating is accessed by steps with handrails on the wall.
Level Change (Experiment Zone)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the rear right of the ground floor, leading to the experiment zone.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the centre of the ground floor, leading to the experiment zone.
- There is/are 9 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
- The lift does bypass the ramp/slope.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- Photographs 1 - 3 show the stairs from G to 1.
- Photograph 4 shows the stairs from LG to G.
Lift (Lower Ground Floor to Ground Floor)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter the building.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
- The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 95cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
Lift (Ground Floor to First Floor)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left hand side of the building as you enter, opposite the Life Café.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 137cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 6in).
- There are not 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 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Lift (Experiment Zone)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the centre of the ground floor.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G to Experiment Zone.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 113cm x 132cm (3ft 8in x 4ft 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 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
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Comments
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- This lift accesses a small level change on the ground floor.
Changing Places (Left and Right Transfer)
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Location and access
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- The facility is located to the left as you enter the building via the main entrance.
- The facility is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the facility.
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Dimensions and features
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- You do not need a key for the facility.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 334cm x 192cm (10ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
- The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
- The facility toilet is peninsular.
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 177cm (5ft 10in).
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 131cm (4ft 4in).
- Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
- Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The type of wash basin is fixed.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
- As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- A privacy screen is available.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
- It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
Accessible Toilet (Life Café - Left Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the life café.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 200cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 7in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a similar accessible toilet located next to the one surveyed with opposite transfer space (shown in photographs 3 - 5).
Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Left and Right Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the ground floor to first floor lift.
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 206cm x 211cm (6ft 9in x 6ft 11in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 100cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 69cm.
- There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is push.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
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Comments
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- There is a similar accessible toilet on the first floor.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the left of the foyer as you enter the building.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- There are additional female and male standard toilets available within the Life Cafe and on the first floor.
Parent and Baby Room
- There is a parent and baby room for public use.
- The parent and baby room is located to the left as you enter the Life Café.
- The parent and baby room is approximately 28m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
- There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
- There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
- The height of the wash basin is 82cm.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
- There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
- There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels are good.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
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Comments
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- Telephone Bookings Line: 0191 243 8223.