Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Chats Bar, The Plate Restaurant, Leisure Club and Swimming Pool, Hairdressing Salon and Beauty Salon, Conference and Banqueting Suite.
Location
- There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle Central.
- The nearest Metro Station is Regent Centre.
Opening Times
- Reception is staffed 24 hours per day.
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.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- The car park is located at the front of the hotel.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 500cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 15m (16yd 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 slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- 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.
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Comments
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- Photographs 6,7,and 8 show the overspill car park to the right of the Conference and Banqueting Suite.
- The surface in the overspill car park is uneven.
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.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 125cm (4ft 1in).
- 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 145cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- 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 148cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located leading to the entrance.
- There is/are 5 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Reception
- The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 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 does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- You must verify your car for free parking.
- The height to the parking machine is 140cm, as seen in photograph 3.
Inside Access (Hotel)
- There is level access to the service(s).
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in the public areas.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
Eating and Drinking (Chats Bar - Annex Brasserie)
- The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
- The bar is located to the left as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- The bar does 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.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are hand held only.
- Menus are 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.
Eating and Drinking (The Plate Restaurant)
- The following information is for the restaurant.
- The restaurant is located ahead as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- The bar does serve food.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 69cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- The type of food served here is breakfasts only.
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Comments
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- There are no menus as the restaurant is used for breakfast only.
- The height of the buffet table is 86cm, as seen in photograph 8.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG,G, 1,2,3,4.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Other
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- The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are annex bedrooms.
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Comments
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- Photographs 4,5, and 6 show the rear staircase, leading from all floors to the Conference and Banqueting Suite.
- Photographs 7,8 and 9 show the stair case leading to the annex bedrooms that are not accessible.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG,G 1,2,3,4.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 98cm (5ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
- 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 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not 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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- There are two similar lifts side by side.
Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground Floor - 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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left as you exit the lift.
- 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 locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 275cm (4ft 11in x 9ft).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary, general domestic waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 47cm from the floor.
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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 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.
- 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 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
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are 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 within this accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor)
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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 Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you exit the lifts.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels in the female toilets are moderate to good.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you exit the lifts.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels in the male toilets are moderate to good.
Room (Room 427)
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General Information
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- There are 233 rooms in total.
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Accessible Rooms
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- There are accessible ensuite facilities.
- There is / are 3 room(s) which has / have accessible ensuite facilities.
- There is / are 0 adjoining room(s) available for carers.
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Location and Access
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- The accessible room viewed is 35m (38yd 10in) from the lift.
- There is level access from an accessible entrance.
- This is by lift.
- No accessible rooms are located in a separate building from the main hotel.
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Accessible Room
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- The room number or room name viewed was 427.
- The width of the door is 86cm.
- The height of the bed is 58cm.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 11cm (4in).
- Light switches are within 120cm from floor level.
- There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
- No emergency alarm is fitted in the room.
- An adjoining room is not available.
- Assistance dogs are welcomed to stay with guests in accessible rooms.
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Accessible Ensuite
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- The width of the door to the ensuite is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The dimensions of the accessible ensuite are 108cm x 175cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 9in).
- There is not a lateral transfer space.
- Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
- The toilet seat is 43cm (1ft 5in) above floor level.
- 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 in height.
- There is a sink.
- The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the sink is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is not a mixer tap for the sink.
- There is a functional emergency alarm available in the ensuite.
- Disposal facilities are available.
- There are mirrors.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
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Bath and Shower
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- There is a bath.
- The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 54cm (1ft 9in).
- The tap type is twist/turn.
- There is not a mixer tap.
- There is a shower over the bath.
- The shower head height is adjustable.
- The shower control type is twist/turn.
- There are handrails available for the bath.
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Wheel In Shower
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- There is not a wheel in shower.
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Signage, colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms
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- The colour contrast between the external hotel room door and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal hotel room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the external ensuite door and wall is high.
- Lighting levels in the room are good.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible ensuite
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- The colour contrast between the internal ensuite door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the ensuite is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is low.
- Lighting levels in the ensuite are good.
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Auxiliary Aids - General
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- Some rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
- The available auxiliary aid(s) is(are) flashing alarm(s).
- Flashing fire alarms are in rooms.
- The venue does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with guests in rooms.
- The number of accessible rooms with baths is 3.
- The number of accessible rooms with wheel in showers is 0.
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Ground Floor Standard Rooms
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- There are not standard rooms on the ground floor.
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Standard Rooms on Other Floors
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- There are standard rooms on other floors.
- The other floors can be accessed by lift.
- Adjoining rooms are not available.
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Comments
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- There are also accessible bedroom on floors 3 and 4.
Outside Access (Conference and Banqueting Suite)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the left of the hotel.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 178cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- 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 178cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located leading to the entrance.
- There is/are 5 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Inside Access (Conference and Banqueting Suite)
- There is not 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.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is level access to the banqueting suites only.
- The hearing loop is in the Grandstand function room only.
- Parking must be verified to qualify for free parking.
- The height to the top of the parking machine is 120cm, as seen in photograph 1.
- A buffet table is available for conference breaks, as seen in photograph 7.
- The height of this table is 110cm.
Level Change (Conference and Banqueting - Conference Rooms - Accessible and Standard Toilets)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located ahead and to the right as you enter from the Conference and Banqueting Suite 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 not have handrails.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 116cm (3ft 10in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the right as you enter from the Conference and Banqueting Suite Entrance.
- There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
- The step(s) is/are not 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 in the centre of the step(s).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Toilet with Adaptations (Conference and Banqueting Suite - Left Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 65m (71yd 3in) from the Conference and Banqueting Suite Entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located in the female standard toilet.
- There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is not a shared toilet.
- There is a similar accessible toilet in the male standard toilets.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm (2ft 6in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 128cm x 135cm (4ft 2in x 4ft 5in).
- 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 93cm and 167cm from the floor.
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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 not a mirror.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 137cm (4ft 6in).
- 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- There is a poor 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.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within this accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).
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Comments
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- Photograph 6 and 7 show the similar accessible toilet in the male standard toilets.
- This toilet does not have a baby change table.
Standard Toilet(s) (Conference and Banqueting Suite)
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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 to the right as you enter from the Conference and Banqueting Suite Entrance.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 65m (71yd 3in) from the Conference and Banqueting Suite Entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
Additional Info
- 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 on the grass areas around the hotel.