Access Guide
Overview - Standard
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About
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- The venue has 2 floors.
- Services on the ground floor include: a Women's Department and a Children's Department.
- Services and facilities on the first floor include: Men's and Home Departments, a Costa Coffee and toilet facilities.
- View information on opening times.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue does not have its own car park.
- There is a public car park nearby.
- The name of the nearest car park is the Galleries Retail Park.
- View information on the Galleries Retail Park (opens new tab).
- The nearest train station is Heworth Station.
- This station has step-free access.
- The nearest Metro station is South Hylton.
- This Metro station has step-free access.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There are no doors along circulation routes.
- Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
- The first floor can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- Seating is available.
- There are fixed hearing assistance systems.
- There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
- The toilet with adaptations is located on the right side of the first floor.
- The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
- Shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the right side of the first floor.
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Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the Toilet with Adaptations on the first floor.
- The fitting rooms with adaptations are located to the rear of the Women's Department on the ground floor, and the the rear of the Men's Department, on the first floor.
- The standard fitting rooms are located to the rear of the Women's and Children's Department on the ground floor, and the the rear of the Men's Department, on the first floor.
Parking
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Public Parking
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- There is a public car park located at the front of the store.
- The name of the car park is the Galleries Retail Park.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
- Electric vehicle charging points are not available in the car park.
Entrance (Main)
- This entrance is located at the front of the store.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is 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 176cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 190cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There are security barriers at the entrance.
- The maximum width between them is 176cm.
Shop Floor (Ground Floor)
- There is step-free level access throughout.
- The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
- The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor in all walkways.
- There is background noise.
- There is wayfinding, product and overhead signage.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signage is not consistent throughout.
- Seating available for customers includes: stools.
- Customers can obtain online items from the Online Collections touchscreens on the right side of the Women's Department.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
- The height of the online collections tablet touchscreen ranges from 117 - 123cm.
Counter (Women's Department)
- The counter is located on the left side of the store.
- The distance from the Main Entrance is 11m.
- The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 100cm.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
- The card payment machine is at a height of 104cm.
- The payment machine is portable.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Counter (Children's Department)
- The counter is located to the rear of the store, on the left side.
- The distance from the Main Entrance is 35m.
- The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 100cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The card payment machine is at a height of 104cm.
- The payment machine is portable.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Fitting Room with Adaptations (Women's Department)
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Access
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- The fitting room surveyed is located to the right of the Women's Department, on the ground floor.
- The fitting room surveyed is for any gender.
- The distance from the Main Entrance is 29m.
- The most accessible route to the fitting room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access into the fitting room.
- There is no signage for the fitting room.
- There is a curtain opening to access the fitting room.
- The width of the opening is 92cm.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the fitting room are 256cm (width) x 215cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the fitting room.
- There is a grab rail in the fitting room.
- The grab rail for the fitting room has a high colour contrast.
- There are dropdown rails in the fitting room.
- The dropdown rails for the fitting room have a high colour contrast.
- There is a seated bench available.
- The seat/chair is 49cm from the floor.
- There is no assistance bell.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 102cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located to the right as you enter the Children's Department, on the ground floor.
- The distance from the Main Entrance is 25m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
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Standard Lift
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- the ground and first floor 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 1600kg.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
- The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 119cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 165cm (width) x 203cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
- The control buttons have a high 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 audible announcer and an intercom hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Stairs
- The stairs are located to the left as you enter.
- the ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- 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-45cm.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Shop Floor (First Floor)
- There is step-free level access throughout.
- The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
- The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor in all walkways.
- Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
- There is background noise.
- There is overhead signage.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
- Seating available for customers includes: stools.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Counter (Men's Department)
- The counter is located on the right side of the store, on the first floor.
- The distance from the lift is 24m.
- The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 101cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The card payment machine is at a height of 105cm.
- The payment machine is at a fixed height.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There is a flip up accessible service desk at this counter however it was broken at the time of survey.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Eating and Drinking (Costa Coffee)
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Location and Access
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- Costa Coffee is located on the right side of the building on the first floor.
- The most accessible route has a lift.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is an opening without doors.
- The width of the opening is 182cm.
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Order and Payment
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
- The service counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located ahead as you enter Costa Coffee.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 94cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has a television, screens and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The card payment machine is at a height of 118cm.
- The payment machine is portable.
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Service
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- This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menu types include: wall-mounted (digital) and countertop.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
- The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
- There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and armchairs.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
- The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Fitting Room with Adaptations (Men's Department)
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Access
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- The fitting room surveyed is located on the left side of the building, on the first floor.
- The fitting room surveyed is for any gender.
- The distance from the lift is 21m.
- The most accessible route to the fitting room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is step-free level access into the fitting room.
- There is no signage for the fitting room.
- There is a curtain opening to access the fitting room.
- The width of the opening is 95cm.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the fitting room are 245cm (width) x 206cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the fitting room.
- There is a grab rail in the fitting room.
- The grab rail for the fitting room has a high colour contrast.
- There are dropdown rails in the fitting room.
- The dropdown rails for the fitting room have a high colour contrast.
- There is a seated bench available.
- The seat/chair is 49cm from the floor.
- There is no assistance bell.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 110cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of the store, on the left as you exit the lift.
- The distance from the lift is 4m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- 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 medium colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 225cm (depth).
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 81cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a push button flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 98cm 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 72cm from the floor.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a medium 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 82cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 85cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 99cm and 160cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
