Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- Middleport Pottery is a Grade II* listed Victorian pottery located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire with self-guided heritage tours and guided factory tours.
- Facilities available in the venue include: visitor information desk, shops, café, museum, studios and workshops, and room hire.
- View information on opening times
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- The nearest train station is Longport.
- The nearest bus station is Hanley.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access via lift at the most accessible entrance.
- There is a hidden step lift within the steps to access reception. There is a push button pad to call for assistance.
- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access from both car parks, access to Harper Street, access to all the shops on Harper Street, access to the Burleigh factory shop, access to many of the shops/workshops on the heritage trail.
- The following areas have stepped access: the Bath House, the Burleigh factory tour, and the gallery.
- Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
- The ground, first, and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is no hearing assistance system.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
- Staff receive the following training: First Aid, Fire Marshall, Safeguarding.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground, first and second floors of the events building.
- The toilets with adaptations have a transfer space on both sides.
- The male and female toilet facilities are located in reception.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations on the second floor of the events building.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- The shower facilities which have adaptations are located on the first floor of the events building.
Parking (Car Park 2 - Blue Badge Bays)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located over the road from the main building.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of compacted earth.
- There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 198cm (width) x 455cm (depth).
- There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 96cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 15m from the Visitor Information Desk and Ticketing.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access, slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
Parking (Main Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the right of the main building.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of loose chippings and compacted earth.
- There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is free for all users.
Getting Around
- There is step-free level access throughout walkways, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access from the main car park, access to Harper Street, access to all the shops on Harper Street, access to the Burleigh factory shop.
- The following areas have stepped access: the Bath House, the Burleigh factory tour, the gallery.
- Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
- Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
- There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
Access To (Reception/Visitor Information Desk)
- The distance from car park 2 - blue badge bays is 15m.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access, a platform lift, slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
- The platform lift is hidden at the bottom of the two steps and is staff operated. There is a push button pad to call for assistance.
This bypasses 2 steps. The height of the highest step is 20cm. - There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
- There is step-free level access to the reception.
- There is a single manual door which opens away from you.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 98cm.
- The door has a low visual contrast.
Reception (Visitor Information Desk and Ticketing)
- The reception is located within the main building at the start of the heritage trail.
- The distance from the entrance door is 1m.
- There is step-free level access to reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 96cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the desk.
- The reception has windows and glazed screens.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- The flooring is patterned.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is not 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.
Shop (Burleigh Factory Shop)
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
- The following areas have stepped access: access to the first floor.
- Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors and narrow openings.
- The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
- The first entrance doors are manual wooden doors with one side permanently held open. The width of the opening is 69cm. The second doors are double glass doors which open towards you and are light. The width of the opening is 89cm.
- The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
- There is no (or very little) background noise.
- Signage is provided.
- Some signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- Seating available on this floor includes: sofas.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
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Payment
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- The checkout area is located to the rear of the shop as you enter.
- There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
- The venue has a payment counter.
- The height of the payment counter is 95cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are steep wooden stairs with a handrail on the right hand side, to access the first floor of the shop. The stairs are 99cm wide and there is a permanently held open door half way up the stairs, as the stairs veer to the right.
Area (Heritage Trails Location 1 - The Victorian Offices)
- The Victorian Offices and Visitor Centre is located to the rear of the reception area.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 107cm.
- There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
- The door opens towards you.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 89cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces, manual doors and narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Outdoor Spaces (Port Street Range)
- Additional facilities in this area include: a cobbled walkway, a collection of workshop/studios: Alex Allday, Burslem Pottery, Emma Bailey Ceramics, Potteries Images, Inglewood Designs and Canadian Pine.
- Outdoor areas consist of cobbled surfaces.
- There are footpaths throughout.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: most of the door thresholds into the studios/workshops.
- There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
- Most of the manual doors on the trail are heavy to open and at least 75cm wide.
The counter in the Richard Howell studio is 82cm high.
Area (Heritage Trail Location 2 - The Mould Store)
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free access via ramp into this area.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
- There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 145cm.
- There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door opens towards you.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 88cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the door threshold.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Area (Heritage Trail Location 3 - The Placing House)
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free access via ramp into this area.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
- There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 129cm.
- There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door opens towards you.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 122cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Area (Heritage Trail Location 4 - The Bottle Oven)
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free access via slope into this area.
- The slope has a steep gradient with resting areas.
- There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 122cm.
- There is a narrow opening into the bottle oven, at the top of the steep slope. The width of the opening is 76cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Outdoor Spaces (The Kiln Yard)
- Outdoor areas consist of cobbled surfaces, loose chippings and gravel.
- There are footpaths in some areas.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
Area (Heritage Trail Location 5 - The Bath House)
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is stepped access into this area.
- There are 7 steps with handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The steps are unmarked.
- The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 20cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
- The door is permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 85cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- The following areas have stepped access: access to the sinks and bath.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces, manual doors and narrow walkways.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Area (Heritage Trail Location 6 - The Steam Engine)
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free access via ramp into this area.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
- There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 120cm.
- There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door opens away from you.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 90cm.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Outdoor Spaces (Historic Cobbles and Canalside)
- Additional facilities in this area include: weighbridge, cobbled pathways, cranes, wharf.
- Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, cobbled surfaces and loose chippings.
- The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
Area (Venue Hire Building)
- The building is located to the right of reception, across the cobbled pathway.
There are three areas available to hire: the Burgess Room, the Regal Peacock Room and the Arden Mezzanine.
There is a lift, stairs and three accessible toilets (one with an accessible shower) in the building. - There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
- The door is permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 115cm.
- Facilities available in this area include: room hire, toilets.
- There is step-free level access throughout the area, this may include the use of a lift.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the Regal Peacock Room.
- The following areas have stepped access: the Arden Mezzanine.
- Access throughout the area may include uneven surfaces, manual doors and narrow walkways.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- The width of the heavy door to access the Burgess Room is 98cm.
The width of the slight ramp to access the Regal Peacock Room is 92cm with handrails on both sides. The width of the entrance doors is 150cm.
The width of the door to access the Arden Mezzanine and accessible toilet is 82cm. The door opens away from you and is very heavy.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located immediately to the left upon entering the building.
- The distance from reception is 15m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, a very easy slope and manual doors.
- 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 low visual contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm.
- The door has a twist lock.
- Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 287cm (width) x 144cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
- The lateral transfer space is 72cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 97cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 124cm from the floor.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 155cm and 183cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located to the left upon entering the building.
- The distance from the entrance door to the building is 2m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The ground, first, and second floors (for visitors) are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 97cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- The third and fourth floors are for staff only.
Stairs
- The stairs surveyed are located straight ahead from the entrance to the building.
- The ground, first and second floor (for visitors) can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 14 steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have 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 height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 13cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps have open risers.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- The third and fourth floors are for staff only.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the left, after exiting the lift on the first floor.
- The distance from the lift is 1m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 272cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 79cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 129cm from the floor.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 183cm and 153cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Shower with Adaptations (First Floor)
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Location and Access
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- The shower surveyed is located within the toilet with adaptations on the first floor.
- The distance from the lift is 1m.
- The most accessible route to the shower has step-free level access.
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Dimensions and Features
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- There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are push.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 50cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
- The grab rails have a low visual contrast.
- The dropdown rails have a low visual contrast.
- There is no emergency alarm for the shower.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located through the door at the far end of the Burgess Room.
- The distance from the Burgess Room is 2m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm.
- The door has a lever twist lock.
- Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 156cm (width) x 197cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 89cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
- There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin, a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 141cm from the floor.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 89cm.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There is an armchair next to the baby changing table.
