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Next - Washington - The Galleries Shopping Park

Unit 3, The Galleries Shopping Park, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 7RW

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a team member available for help and assistance.
  • There is a home delivery service available from the store.
  • All items available in store are available online and deliverable to store.
  • There is an Order and Collect service in the store.
  • Customers can obtain online Order and Collect items from the customer order collection point.
  • The store does play background music.
  • There is a/are hearing assistance system(s) located at the Womenswear till point(s), at the Menswear till point(s) and within Costa.
  • Order Collection Tablets and two drop boxes for returns, are located in Womenswear Department.

Public Transport and Parking

  • Public Transport View
    • There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the store.
    • The nearest train station is Chester-le-Street.
  • Parking View
    • The store does not have its own car park.
    • The store shares a car park/parking facilities.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Information is not provided at the entrance to the car park, to make it clear whether or not free parking is available to Blue Badge holders.
    • There is a/are designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • There is/are 4 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • Designated parking bays are clearly marked/signposted.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 359cm x 598cm (11ft 9in x 19ft 7in).
    • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are available.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is not a designated drop-off point.

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • There are fixed bollards on the approach.
    • The bollards have a good colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the store.
    • 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.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 193cm.
    • 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 192cm.
    • There are security barriers at this entrance.
    • There is a team member available for assistance at this entrance.
    • There is not wayfinding signage available at this entrance.

Womenswear

  • Womenswear View
    • Womenswear is located on the ground floor, ahead as you enter the store.
    • There is step free access to Womenswear.
    • Main routes should have a width of 100cm with side aisles at a width of 75cm.
    • There is step free access throughout the Womenswear aisle(s).
  • Till Point(s) View
    • There is step free access to the Womenswear till point(s).
    • The nearest Womenswear till point(s) is/are approximately 8m from the entrance.
    • The till point(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The height of the Womenswear till point(s) is/are 100cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the till point(s), however there are clipboards and portable chip & pin machines available.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the till point(s).
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till point(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The till point(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • Accessible Fitting Room(s) View
    • There is/are 8 fitting room(s) in total within Womenswear, 1 of which is an accessible fitting room.
    • There is step free access to the accessible fitting room(s).
    • The accessible fitting room(s) is/are not clearly signed.
    • There is a curtain opening to access the accessible fitting room(s).
    • The clear width of the fitting room opening is 98cm.
    • The dimensions of the accessible fitting room(s) are 260cm x 218cm.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a/are wall mounted rail(s) in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a drop down rail in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a mirror in the accessible fitting room(s), the bottom edge of the mirror is 10cm from the floor.
    • There is not a coat hook in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a functional emergency alarm in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a bench seat in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • The height of the chair from the floor is 48cm.
    • There is not an assistance bell in the accessible fitting room(s), however if notified in advance a member of staff will be available for assistance if required.
  • Standard Fitting Room(s) View
    • There is/are 7 standard fitting room(s) within Womenswear.
    • There is step free access to the standard fitting room(s).
    • The fitting room(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • There is a chair/stool/changing bench in the standard fitting room(s).

Childrenswear

  • Childrenswear View
    • Childrenswear is located on the ground floor, at the rear of the store.
    • There is step free access to Childrenswear.
    • Main routes should have a width of 100cm with side aisles at a width of 75cm.
    • There is step free access throughout the Childrenswear aisle(s).
  • Till Point(s) View
    • There is step free access to the Childrenswear till point(s).
    • The nearest Childrenswear till point(s) is/are approximately 24m from the entrance.
    • The till point(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The height of the Childrenswear till point(s) is/are 100cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the till point(s), however there are clipboards and portable chip & pin machines available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the till point(s).
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till point(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The till point(s) is/are placed in front of a background which is patterned.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter the store.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground floor and first floor.
    • 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 not 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear right of the store, in Childrenswear.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A team member does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are ground floor and first floor.
  • 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 not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall.
  • The clear door width is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 165cm x 202cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 8in).
  • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is 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 internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Costa

  • Costa is located on the first floor, ahead as you exit the lift.
  • There is step free access to Costa, via lift.
  • There is step free access throughout.
  • Food and/or drink(s) is/are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is 95cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter, however there are clipboards and portable chip & pin machines available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Tables are not permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the counter.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 40cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest dining table is 70cm.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space throughout.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Two handle cups are available on request.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Costa does play background music.
  • WiFi is available in Costa.

Home

  • Home View
    • The Home department is located on the first floor, to the right of the store as you exit the lift.
    • There is step free access to the Home department, via lift.
    • Main routes should have a width of 100cm with side aisles at a width of 75cm.
    • There is step free access throughout the Home department aisle(s).
  • Till Point(s) View
    • There is step free access to the Home department till point(s).
    • The nearest Home department till point(s) is/are approximately 4m from the lift.
    • The till point(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The height of the Home department till point(s) is/are 100cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the till point(s), however there are clipboards and portable chip & pin machines available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the till point(s).
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till point(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The till point(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.

Menswear

  • Menswear View
    • Menswear is located on the first floor, to the rear right of the store as you exit the lift, through Home.
    • There is step free access to Menswear, via lift.
    • Main routes should have a width of 100cm with side aisles at a width of 75cm.
    • There is step free access throughout the Menswear aisle(s).
  • Till Point(s) View
    • There is step free access to the Menswear till point(s).
    • The nearest Menswear till point(s) is/are approximately 15m from the lift.
    • The till point(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The height of the Menswear till point(s) is/are 100cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the till point(s).
    • The height of the lowered section at the till point(s) is 76cm.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section(s) of the till point(s).
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the till point(s).
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till point(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The till point(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • Accessible Fitting Room(s) View
    • There is/are 3 fitting room(s) in total within Menswear, 1 of which is an accessible fitting room.
    • There is step free access to the accessible fitting room(s).
    • The accessible fitting room(s) is/are not clearly signed.
    • There is a curtain opening to access the accessible fitting room(s).
    • The clear width of the fitting room opening is 95cm.
    • The dimensions of the accessible fitting room(s) are 250cm x 245cm.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a/are wall mounted rail(s) in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a drop down rail in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • There is a mirror in the accessible fitting room(s), the bottom edge of the mirror is 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s) in the accessible fitting room(s), 111cm from the floor.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm, but the pull cord is out of reach (10cm+ from the floor).
    • There is a bench seat in the accessible fitting room(s).
    • The height of the chair from the floor is 48cm.
    • There is not an assistance bell in the accessible fitting room(s), however if notified in advance a member of staff will be available for assistance if required.
  • Standard Fitting Room(s) View
    • There is/are 2 standard fitting room(s) within Menswear.
    • There is step free access to the standard fitting room(s).
    • The fitting room(s) is/are not clearly signed.
    • There is a chair/stool/changing bench in the standard fitting room(s).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left of the store as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
  • 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 149cm x 227cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 122cm and 165cm 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 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 backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 81cm.
    • 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
    • There is a good contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a good contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a good contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a good contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat does not have a colour contrast.
    • There is a good contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 91cm (2ft 12in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the first floor, to the left of the store as you exit the lift.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s), via lift.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are good.