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Down Arts Centre

2-6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6BP

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • An arts centre with an auditorium, gallery, pottery studio, art studios, studio/bar and shop.
    • Services and facilities available in the venue include: arts events, exhibitions, live entertainment, theatrical shows, workshops, classes, meetings and private functions.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
    • There is 1 other entrance.
    • There is step-free level access at the other entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the gallery.
    • There are automatic doors, which are push pad activated, along circulation routes.
    • The ground floor and floors 1 and 2 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: magnifiers.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located in the studio/bar.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille, large print (on request) and different languages (on request).
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located on each floor of the venue.
    • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the male and female standard toilet facilities on floors 1 and 2.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located off the main corridor on floors 1 and 2.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet and shower with adaptations on the first floor.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Shower facilities with adaptations are located in the toilet with adaptations on the first floor.

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • Public Parking View
    • There is a public car park located off Church Street.
    • The name of the car park is Church Street Car Park.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
    • Electric vehicle charging points are not available in the car park.
    • Car parking, including Blue Badge parking, is also available in a public car park off Scotch Street.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located off Church Street.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 162cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is a second, single automatic door.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.

Reception

  • Location View
    • The reception is located ahead as you enter the main entrance.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 3m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access to the reception.
    • The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the desk.
    • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
    • The reception has a television which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access between floors via lift.
    • There is step-free level access throughout walkways.
  • Circulation View
    • There are automatic doors, which are push pad activated, along circulation routes.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • There is no (or very little) background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Gallery

  • The room is located off reception, to the right.
  • The distance from reception is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is Braille and written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free access via a ramp into the room.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • There is a single automatic door, which is push pad activated.
  • The height of the push pad is 99cm.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 110cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this room includes: armchairs.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Announcements are audible.
  • Lighting levels vary due to there being different types of lights in the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left, at the rear of the reception area.
    • The distance from the entrance is 11m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is an automatic door, which is push pad activated, along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 96cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 148cm (width) x 280cm (depth).
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 85cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 121cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 93cm.
    • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located via the gallery, through the door directly ahead when coming off the ramp.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp.
  • There are automatic doors, which are push pad activated, along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • The ground floor and floors 1 and 2 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 109cm (width) x 147cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator, an intercom hearing assistance system and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs are located in the corridor off the gallery, next to the lift.
  • The ground floor and floors 1 and 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There is a permanently held open door to access the stairwell.
  • There is a handrail on the right going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Auditorium

  • Theatre Information View
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Concessions are available.
    • Captioned performances are not available.
    • The Arts Centre staff welcome enquiries from customers to discuss how they could accommodate specific needs and requirements.
    • Signed performances are not available.
    • Audio described performances are not available.
    • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are not available.
    • Sensory friendly performances are not available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has a lift.
    • There are automatic doors, which are push pad activated, along the most accessible route.
    • The most accessible route to a row of seating has step-free level access.
    • The following areas have stepped access: All rows excluding the designated seating area.
    • The designated seating area is located at the front of the auditorium.
    • Seating available in the auditorium includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.

Designated Seating

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located in the auditorium.
  • The distance from the lift is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the designated seating has a lift.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 96cm.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • There is a second, single automatic door, which is push pad activated.
  • The height of the push pad is 97cm.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 102cm.
  • The door has a medium colour contrast.
  • The designated viewing area is not clearly marked or signed.
  • There are 10+ designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • The view from this seating area is clear from obstructions.
  • Companions can sit next to you, behind you and in front of you.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is an accessible toilet close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).

Toilet and Shower with Adaptations (Auditorium - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor, off the corridor next to the auditorium.
    • The distance from the auditorium is 11m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a standard lift.
    • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a medium colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 96cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 238cm (width) x 248cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 166cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 87cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 122cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 88cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 130cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 98cm.
    • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The dropdown rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.