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Metro Radio Arena Newcastle

Arena Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7NA

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Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include an arena, bars, food courts, shops and a box office.
  • Comments View
    • Opening times vary, please contact the venue for further information.
    • To contact Accessibiliy Team please call 0844 493 6666.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.

Opening Times (Box Office)

  • Monday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Thursday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Friday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • On event days the box office re opens at 17:00 until the time the event starts.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located to the left and the rear of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 440cm x 510cm (14ft 5in x 16ft 9in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 80m (87yd 1ft) 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 dropped kerbs.
    • 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 a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located along the right hand side of the arena as you face it.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • There is not tactile paving on the dropped kerb.
  • Comments View
    • The Blue Badge bays are located along the left hand side of the building.
    • The standard parking bays are located to the rear of the venue.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open both ways.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a small raised threshold in the doorway.
  • Comments View
    • On event nights there is a dedicated lane system in use when leaving the venue for wheelchair users. This lane allows assisted and quicker exit after an event.

Level Change (Main 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.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 15+ step(s) to the area / service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk does not have 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.
  • Comments View
    • The Box Office is located outside, next to the main entrance.
    • There are four Box Office windows.
    • One window has a slightly lowered counter.
    • The other three counters are high.

Reception (Customer Information)

  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Official Merchandise Counters)

  • The desk is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk does not have 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lowered section of the counter which is 82cm high.

Access Doors

  • There are doors in several places on all levels leading to the arena area.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors open outwards.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The doors are 200cm wide.
  • Before and after performances all doors external and internal are held open for patrons.
  • Doors are manned during performances.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music/noise.
  • Music/noise is played during events.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading up to all wheelchair seating platforms.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located leading from the lower and upper arena seating areas.
  • There is / are 15+ step(s) to the area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a standard and / or platform lift to access this service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • The lift does bypass the ramp.

Eating and Drinking (Bars)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • 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.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • Comments View
    • There are 7 seperate bars located in the main concourse just as you enter the building through the main doors.
    • The 2 main bars are situated to the left and to the right as you enter and have high counters with a medium height section of 82cm high.
    • There are 2 Fosters bars facing the main bars. These have a medium height counter.
    • There is a champagne bar facing you as you enter, this has a high counter.
    • There is a Smirnoff bar facing you as you enter, this has a high bar with a medium height lowered section
    • There is a Heineken bar at the rear of the main concourse, this has a high counter.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located on all levels throughout the arena.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • It is 14m (15yd 11in) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • 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 rows.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Comments View
    • Some designated seating is accessed by a ramp.
    • Some designated seating is avaliable on the stadium and gallery levels with level access via the lift.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2.
    • 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 main stairways located in the central concourse.
    • The stairways are situated to the left and to the right of the concourse as you enter the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the centre of the concourse between the Fosters and Smirnoff Bars.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
  • The lift is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 140cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 47m (51yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in the corridors on either side of the arena.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a steward.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 265cm (6ft 5in x 8ft 8in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space is 141cm (4ft 8in).
    • 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 in the cubicle.
    • The emergency 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 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the sink is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 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 bright.
  • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the accessible toilet in the corridor on the left hand side as you face the stage.
    • There is also an identical toilet in the corridor on the right hand side.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilets are located in the corridors on either side of the arena.
    • The female toilets are 49m (53yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilets are located in the corridors on either side of the arena.
    • The male toilets are 48m (52yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an identical toilet in the corridor on the right hand side.
    • There are several sets of standard toilets in each corridor.
    • The ones at the far end of each corridor also contain an accessible cubicle.
    • They do not have baby changes facilities.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor, in the corridor at the rear of the seating blocks.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a steward.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 203cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • It is not a push button style of alarm.
    • 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 not mirrors.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink 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 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the accessible toilet at the back of the arena, to the right as you face to stage.
    • There are 4 accessible toilets on the first floor, one in each corner. They are identical, except 2 have the transfer space on the left.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilets are located in the corridor at the rear of the seating blocks.
    • The female toilets are 21m (22yd 2ft) from the Lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilets are located in the corridor at the rear of the seating blocks.
    • The male toilets are 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are also standard toilets available on the landing between the first and second floors.

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 in the areas surrounding the venue.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.