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Head On Stand - Second Floor - Thoroughbred Lounge and Private Boxes

Rowley Mile - Westfield House, The Links, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 0TG

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The A11 and A14 provide easy access from the major cities of East Anglia and from the M11 and A1 / M1 respectively. If you are travelling along the M11 from London please use the following directions: Merge onto the A11 at junction 9, signposted Newmarket and Norwich. After 10 miles branch left and merge onto the A1304, signposted Newmarket. After 5 miles take the third exit at the roundabout. Travel along the Cambridge Road for 1 mile and then turn left, signposted Rowley Mile Conference Centre. Turn left again and you will be on the Rowley Mile drive. Sat Nav postcode: CB8 0TF
  • By Bus View
    • There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Railway Station is Newmarket.
    • A complimentary shuttle bus service runs on all race days between Newmarket town centre and the racecourse. Starting approximately 2 hours before the first race, the service picks up outside Hughes Electrical Store on the High Street and at the train station. The return journey's from the racecourse commence around 45 minutes before the last race and continue for up to 2 hours. The bus will drop off at the train station and at the bus stop on The Avenue (just off the High Street). At the Racecourse the shuttle bus service will drop off and pick up at the Grandstand and Paddock Entrance on The Rowley Mile.
    • For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For a map of The Rowley Mile course please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • Staff do not receive deaf awareness training.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • There are three wheelchairs available for hire from the Course Office. It is advisable to book in advance for the use of this service.
  • Hearing loop systems are provided at various locations across the racecourse. A loop system is available in the Course Office as well as the Bistro, The Millennium Suite and the Champs Gallery. Temporary induction loops are available for use by customers on site. The induction loop we provide is a neck loop. If required please inform the Customer Relations team in advance of your arrival.

Raceday Parking

Outside Access (Head On Stand - Lift and Stairs Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Premier Enclosure.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Other Floors (Head On Stand)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located immediately beyond the Head On Stand - Lift and Stairs Entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift (Head On Stand)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located immediately after and to the right of the Head On Stand - Lift and Stairs Entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 130cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 3in).
  • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within 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.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low.

Outside Access (Head On Stand - Escalator Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Premier Enclosure.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Escalator(s) (Head On Stand)

  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located immediately beyond the Head On Stand- Escalator Entrance.
    • The escalator(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The escalators go both up and down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G, 1, 2.
    • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.

Getting Around (Second Floor - Head On Stand)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the second floor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs, escalator and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.

Race Viewing Area and Seating - Second Floor

  • Access to the Trackside viewing area and seating is via the second floor corridor.
  • A set of double doors 160cm wide lead to the Trackside viewing area.
  • The doors are heavy and push away from you.
  • There is level access out to the rear of the viewing area.
  • There are 1 to 6 steps leading down to the seats.
  • The steps are well marked and are 25cm high.
  • The seating area to the left has a handrail going down on the right.
  • The seating area to the right has a handrail going down on the left.
  • Both steps have 'P' rails towards the bottom.
  • There is a good view of the straight and finishing post from the seats.

Hospitality (Thoroughbred Lounge)

  • The lounge is located on the second floor of the Head On Stand.
  • There is step-free access to this area.
  • There is a/are single, heavy manual door(s) to access this area.
  • The door/opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • There is step-free access within this area.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
  • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a bar/service counter.
  • The height of the bar or service counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The lowered section of the counter is not at the recommended height of 76cm.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 73cm and 75cm.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of service provided in this room can vary.
  • The layout of the room varies according to what it is being used for.
  • Access to the track viewing and seating area is via the second floor corridor.
  • The room can be hired for functions and meetings on non-matchdays.
  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available within the room/suite.
  • There are not standard toilets available within the room/suite.
  • There is not a separate parent and baby room within the room/suite.

Executive Boxes (Private Boxes - Head On Stand - Second Floor)

  • The box is located on the second floor of the Head On Stand.
  • There are 9 boxes on this floor.
  • The box surveyed was 24.
  • The other boxes in this stand/area have a similar layout.
  • There is step-free access to this area.
  • There is a/are single, heavy manual door(s) to access this area.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are under 75cm for the room(s).
  • The door width for the executive boxes is 71cm.
  • There is step-free access within this area.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of service provided in this box can vary.
  • There is a single, heavy, manual door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to the pitch viewing area.
  • There is designated seating for wheelchair users in the pitch viewing area.
  • The opening to the Trackside viewing area is a single, heavy, manual door with an opening width of 77cm. An unmarked step 15cm high leads down to the rear of the viewing area. There are then two further steps leading down to the lower seating area.
  • The box can be hired for functions and meetings on non match days.
  • There are two larger executive boxes on the second floor of the Head On Stand.

Counter (Betting Counter - Second Floor Corridor)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located on the second floor corridor of the Head On Stand.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is 110cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.

Counter (Betting Counter - Executive Boxes Corridor)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located on the corridor leading to the executive boxes.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Accessible Toilet and Standard Toilets - Private Boxes)

  • There is a ramp/slope located on the corridor, near to Private Box 25.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the accessible toilet and standard toilets.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Toilet with Adaptations (Private Box Corridor Head On Stand)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the end of the Private Box corridor, near to Box 25.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 250cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • 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.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 132cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Private Box Corridor - Head On Stand)

  • 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 at the end of the Private Box corridor.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

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