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West End Library and Community Hub

Condercum Road, Benwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 9JH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the offices of Your Homes Newcastle and a public library.

Location

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

Opening Times (Library)

  • Monday 10:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday Closed.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 14:00.
  • Thursday Closed.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 14:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located to the left hand side as you face the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 320cm x 460cm (10ft 6in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main 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 between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Parking spaces can become limited during weekday opening hours.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers immediately beyond the second set of doors.
    • The clear width between the barriers is 108cm.

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.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are hearing loops on all of the counters and in interview room 5.
    • There is also a portable hearing loop for use anywhere within the building.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) 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 has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not 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 16/01/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • There is a touch screen.
  • The touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second reception desk to the right with a table height of 72cm high .

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • Comments View
    • The number of days to process a book order can vary but will not exceed 28 days.
    • Photographs 7 and 8 show the height adjustable table.
    • There is a self-service checkout and return machine within the library area.
    • The height to the top of the touchscreen is 151cm.
    • The height to the coin slot is 122cm.
    • The height to the barcode reader is 122cm.
    • The height to the library card reader is 122cm.
    • The height to the notes slot is 85cm.
    • The height to the book shelf is 85cm.
    • The height to the book return slot is 69cm.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the enquiries desk.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 143cm x 247cm (4ft 8in x 8ft 1in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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.
    • 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 open waste paper bin 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 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 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 good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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 good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 to the right as you enter.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • Access to the standard toilets is by keycode.
    • The keycode can be obtained from the reception desk.
    • The height of the keypad is 132cm.

Parent and Baby Room

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located to the right as you enter the building.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 10m 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 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • 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 84cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is push.
  • 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested 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.
  • This service cannot be requested.