You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include science theatre, planetarium, 2 cafes, a maker zone, and a gift shop.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does not have its own car park.

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• Public Car Parks View
  • 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.
• On Street Blue Badge Parking View
  • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
• On Street Standard Parking View
  • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • 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).

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • 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.

You are on Outside Access (Times Square Café and Shop Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Times Square Café and Shop Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • 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.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

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 View
  • 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).

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

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 View
  • The venue contains a science theatre and planetarium.
  • Each have induction hearing assistance available.

You are on Level Change (Ground Floor to First Floor). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Life Café). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Counter (Life Shop). Skip to the next section.

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 View
  • This counter is the rear part of the reception desk and shares the reception portable hearing loop.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Times Square Café). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Museum. Skip to the next section.

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 View
  • 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.

You are on Level Change (Planetarium). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Theatre (Planetarium). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Theatre (Science Theatre). Skip to the next section.

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 View
  • The seating is accessed by steps with handrails on the wall.

You are on Level Change (Experiment Zone). Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • Photographs 1 - 3 show the stairs from G to 1.
  • Photograph 4 shows the stairs from LG to G.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 View
  • This lift accesses a small level change on the ground floor.

You are on Changing Places (Left and Right Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Left and Right Transfer)

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• Location and access View
  • 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.
• Dimensions and features View
  • 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).

You are on Accessible Toilet (Life Café - Left Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Life Café - Left Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • 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.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • 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).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • 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).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • There is a similar accessible toilet located next to the one surveyed with opposite transfer space (shown in photographs 3 - 5).

You are on Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Left and Right Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Left and Right Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • 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.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • 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).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • 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).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • 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.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • 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).
• Comments View
  • There is a similar accessible toilet on the first floor.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • There are additional female and male standard toilets available within the Life Cafe and on the first floor.

You are on Parent and Baby Room. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

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 View
  • Telephone Bookings Line: 0191 243 8223.