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The Exchange

Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a theatre, café bar and a meeting room.

Opening Times

  • Monday 10:00 - 23:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 23:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 21:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 14:00 - 23:00.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Manors.
  • The nearest Metro Station is North Shields.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is The Beacon Shopping Centre car park.
    • The car park is located in Saville Street.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a public car park on Norfolk Street, behind The Exchange which is free for 2 hours between 09:00-18:00pm.

Outside Access (Courtyard Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located en-route to the entrances.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of and beyond the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.

Outside Access (Box Office Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left as you enter the courtyard entrance.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 97cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 114cm.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the box office 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 03/09/2020.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Level Change (Courtyard)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in the courtyard, leading to the courtyard seating and foyer 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 have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in the courtyard.
  • There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the courtyard.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.

Inside Access

  • There is 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.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the auditorium during shows, and in the café bar at certain times.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking (Café Bar)

  • The following information is for the café/bar.
  • The café/bar is located to the right as you enter via the foyer entrance.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the foyer entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is access to the café bar from the courtyard via sliding doors, as well as the foyer entrance.
    • Additional seating is accessed by 2 medium height steps without handrails but is temporary, as this is on the stage which is usually kept clear for performances.
    • Seating is also available in the courtyard.
    • Food is delivered to the table.
    • Drinks can be delivered to the table if required.

Outside Access (Café Exit)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the rear right part of the café, leading into the courtyard.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 105cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in the doorway.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 3cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • This is being used as the exit for the one-way system through the bar due to Covid regulations.
    • The doors would not normally be kept open unless it is summer.

Level Change (Auditorium)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading to the auditorium.
  • There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the foyer as you enter via the foyer entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, M, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the foyer entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 139cm x 150cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 good.

Theatre

  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The seating layout and location of designated seating varies depending on the type of performance taking place.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the foyer entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located along the corridor ahead as you enter via the foyer entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 185cm x 183cm (6ft 1in x 6ft).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 139cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush 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 non-infectious waste, open waste paper bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high 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 fair.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • 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 along the corridor ahead as you enter via the foyer entrance.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the foyer entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard female toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.