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Wallsend Customer First Centre and Library

16 The Forum, Wallsend, NE28 8JR

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include customer services, a library, and meeting rooms.

Location

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

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 Forum Car Park.
    • The car park is located in Elton Street East.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 480cm x 480cm (15ft 9in x 15ft 9in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located in Elton Street East.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Escalators View
    • Escalator(s) can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator are G, 1.
    • The escalators steps are clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalators are clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (1.52m) from the entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11.43in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 140cm (5ft 2.99in x 4ft 7.12in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Reception (Library)

  • The desk/counter is 28m (91.86352ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Library (First Floor)

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard and large rollerball mouse is / are available.
  • There are self-serve borrow and return touchscreens.
  • The touchscreens have a lowered screen mode to within 120cm from floor level.
  • The font size can also be increased.

Counter (Peoples Network)

  • The counter is located to the left side of the library.
  • The distance from the lift is 50m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 96cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • 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.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Eating and Drinking (Dreamshine Cafe)

  • Location and Access View
    • The cafe is located on the first floor, at the rear of the library.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and designated seating.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are handheld.
    • 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 not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear of the cafe.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 89cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 80cm.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • 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 the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Generic (First Floor - Wallsend Customer Services)

  • The customer first centre is located to the left as you exit the lift.
  • There is a waiting area to the right as you enter, and an additional waiting area towards the rear, with armchairs, sofas and coffee tables.
  • There are interview desks throughout the area at a height of 73cm and 74cm. Clear height underneath the desks is less than 70cm.
  • There are 5 interview rooms.
  • The doors to the interview rooms are single, easy to open, open towards you and are 84cm wide.
  • The desks in these rooms are 74cm high.
  • There is a Citizen Advice Bureau desk at a height of 70cm.
  • There are headset hearing loops available.

Changing Places (First Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located at the rear of the library.
    • The facility is approximately 40m (131.2336ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access into the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9.46in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 325cm x 465cm (10ft 7.95in x 15ft 3.07in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 2.8in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 100cm (3ft 3.37in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 320cm (10ft 5.98in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • 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 at the rear of the library.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 45m (147.6378ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the female standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 101cm (3ft 3.76in).

Additional Info

  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • Home visits / services are not available.
  • Comments View
    • North Tyneside Libraries are in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) to provide a home delivery service.