Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a 6 court multi-use sports hall, a club/conference room, and a gymnastics centre.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include floodlit astro turf pitches.
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Comments
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- The Sports Centre and Fitness Suite/Swimming Pool are located in 2 separate buildings at the rear of the Benfield School site.
Location
- The venue is situated outside the centre of the city.
- This venue is situated in Walkergate.
- 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.
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Comments
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- The nearest Tyne and Wear Metro station is Walkergate.
Opening Hours
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park is located in front of the building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
- There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 320cm x 480cm (10ft 6in x 15ft 9in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Main Entrance - Sports Centre)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 176cm (5ft 9in).
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Second set of doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 176cm (5ft 9in).
Reception (Sports Centre)
- The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
Inside Access (Sports Centre)
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Accessible Changing Room (Sports Centre)
- There are accessible changing rooms available.
- The accessible changing room is located to the right as you enter.
- The facility is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The door opens by sliding.
- The width of the door is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 155cm x 170cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 7in).
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Comments
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- The female and male accessible changing rooms are identical.
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- The baby change facilities are located within the accessible changing room.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
Accessible Shower (Sports Centre)
- Accessible shower facilities are available.
- The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the accessible changing room.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head and a flip down seat.
- The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
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Comments
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- The female and male accessible showers are identical.
Toilet with Adaptations (Sports Centre)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the right as you enter, opposite the gymnastics hall.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 150cm (6ft 11in x 4ft 11in).
- There is 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 80cm (2ft 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 not fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab 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 is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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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 fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Changing Room (Sports Centre)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the gymnastics hall.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located opposite the gymnastics hall.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
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Comments
View
- The male and female changing rooms are identical.
Standard Shower (Sports Centre)
- Shower facilities are available.
- The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the standard changing rooms.
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Comments
View
- The male and female standard showers are identical.
Standard Toilet(s) (Sports Centre)
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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)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite the gymnastics hall.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Outside Access (Fitness Suite / Swimming Pool - Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in).
Level Change (Fitness Suite / Swimming Pool - Main Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
Inside Access (Fitness Suite / Swimming Pool)
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played within the fitness suite.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Swimming Pool
- There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
- There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
- There is not a wet side chair available.
- There is a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
- The hoist is manual.
- There are not steps into the swimming pool.
- There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
- There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.
Toilet with Adaptations (Swimming Pool)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the fitness suite / swimming pool - main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the right as you enter the swimming pool.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 300cm x 300cm (9ft 10in x 9ft 10in).
- There is 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 200cm (6ft 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/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab 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 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- 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).
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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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
View
- Step free access to the swimming pool is via either the standard male or female changing rooms.
Accessible Shower (Swimming Pool)
- Accessible shower facilities are available.
- The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the swimming pool accessible toilet.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head and a flip down seat.
- The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- Other facilities available include; a ceiling track hoist.
- There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
Standard Changing Room (Swimming Pool)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the fitness suite / swimming pool - main entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the swimming pool.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on both sides as you enter.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
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Comments
View
- The standard changing rooms are equipped with level access standard toilets and showers.
- The male and female changing rooms are identical.
Standard Toilet(s) (Swimming Pool)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the separate changing rooms.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Fitness Suite
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Access to Fitness Suite
View
- The fitness suite is located on the right as you enter.
- The fitness suite is 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
- There is step free access to the fitness suite.
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IFI Accredited Fitness Suite
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- The fitness suite has attained IFI level two.
- A number of staff have received IFI Mark standard Disability Equality Training.
- IFI accredited equipment is available.
- For example: treadmill, upright cycle, recumbent cycle, upper body ergometer, leg curl, leg extension, upper body multi-station and small equipment package.
- A portable hearing loop is available for induction.
- Staff are trained to use the portable hearing loop.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
- There is level access to all of the equipment.
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Fitness Suite (General)
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- Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.
- A portable hearing loop is available for induction.
- Staff are trained to use the portable hearing loop.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
- There is level access to all of the equipment.
Toilet with Adaptations (Fitness Suite)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the fitness suite / swimming pool - main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the left as you enter the fitness suite.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 280cm x 340cm (9ft 2in x 11ft 2in).
- There is 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
- 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/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab 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 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 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Accessible Shower (Fitness Suite)
- Accessible shower facilities are available.
- The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the fitness suite accessible toilet.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head and a flip down seat.
- The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
Standard Changing Room (Fitness Suite)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the fitness suite / swimming pool - main entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the fitness suite.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the right as you enter.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
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Comments
View
- The standard changing rooms are equipped with a standard toilet which is level access and a standard shower which is accessed by a deep step (as shown in photograph 3).
Standard Toilet(s) (Fitness Suite)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
View
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the fitness suite female standard changing rooms.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the fitness suite male standard changing rooms.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
- The assistance dog toilet area is located immediately outside.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service cannot be requested.