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National Glass Centre

Liberty Way, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR6 0GL

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About this venue

You’ll never look at, or through, glass in the same way again. Discover how glass arrived in Britain, how it’s made and how it’s become something we all take for granted at the National Glass Centre. Learn how Benedict Biscop first brought glass making to Sunderland, and Britain, in the 7th Century AD to produce glass for the impressive windows at Bishopwearmouth Monastery. Find out how the craftsmen of Sunderland went on to produce some of the finest glass in the world for century after century. Marvel at the latest glass and ceramic art from some of the world’s top artists and new artists studying at the National Glass Centre. Then feel the heat of the furnace and witness for yourself the skill of the glass blower during a glass making demonstration.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include various exhibitions, galleries, gift shop, learning studios, hot glass blowing studio and the Glass Yard Café.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include University of Sunderland.
  • Comments View
    • This venue is part of the University of Sunderland.
    • Areas within the venue are available for private bookings.

COVID-19 Information

  • The information in this section was taken in May 2021.
  • There are separate doors for entering and exiting.
  • The manual entrance door to the left is currently being used as an entrance only with the automatic entrance doors to the right being used as an exit only. The central revolving doors are not being used at this time.
  • There is not a member of staff available at the entrance.
  • There is hand sanitiser available at the entrance.
  • The hand sanitisers are free standing.
  • The height of the hand sanitisers range between 110cm and 136cm.
  • There are additional hand sanitisers throughout the venue.
  • There is a limited number of people allowed inside.
  • There is a Track and Trace system in place.
  • There is a one-way system throughout.
  • The one-way system is clearly marked/signed.
  • There is clear signage inside to help with social distancing.
  • There are protective clear screens located at desks/counters.
  • Toilets are available.
  • The venue is not certified with the 'We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard.
  • For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .

Opening Times

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Comments View
    • The venue is open during the evenings for evening classes and events according to bookings.
    • Please contact the venue for more details.

Location

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

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Charges apply to students and visitors to the adjacent Universiy of Sunderland.
    • The car park is located to the front and side of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 590cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 4in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 43m (47yd 1in) from the accessible entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the accessible entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 to 4 show the car park at the side of the venue for the accessible entrance.
    • This car park has 2 Blue Badge spaces.
    • The dropped kerb is in this car park.
    • Photographs 5 to 8 show the car park at the front of the venue.

Outside Access (Front Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 149cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading from the car park to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are manual double doors to the left.
    • These doors open towards you, are heavy and 149 cm wide.
    • There is textured paving in front of all the entrance doors as seen in photographs 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are central revolving doors as seen in photograph 5.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue, on the lower ground floor.
    • 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 149cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There are double manual doors to the left and right of the automatic doors.
    • These doors open towards you, are heavy and 158cm wide.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a fixed hearing loop at each each end of the reception desk.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the café.
  • Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Gift Shop

  • The gift shop is located on the lower ground floor to the right of the accessible entrance.
  • The height of the counter is 99cm.

Museum (Exhibits)

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, contact a member of staff.

Hot Glass Blowing Studio

  • The hot glass blowing studio is located on the lower ground floor at the rear of the gift shop.
  • This area is 35m from the accessible entrance.
  • The door to this area opens away towards you.
  • The door is single.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The door is 76cm wide.
  • There is fixed seating in the studio to watch demonstrations.
  • Wheelchairs access is in the front row of this area.
  • There are 11 medium steps leading to the upper tiers of the seating area.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a handrail to the left going up.
  • There is a fixed hearing loop in this area.

Level Change (Learning Studio C)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • 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 hot glass blowing studio.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Learning Studio C

  • This studio is located on the lower ground floor to the right of the hot glass blowing studio.
  • The studio is 40m from the accessible entrance.
  • The tables in the studio are height adjustable.
  • Chairs without armrests are available.
  • This studio is mainly used for evening classes.

Cold Glass Studio

  • This studio is located to the rear of Learning Studio C.
  • The studio is 60m from the accessible entrance.
  • The area is used mainly by evening classes.
  • There is a shallow step without handrails to access some of the equipment.
  • Anyone using this studio has to undergo a health and safety induction.

Gillian Dickenson Learning Studio

  • This studio is located on the ground floor, to the right of reception.
  • The studio is 22m from the lift.
  • The door to the studio opens away from you.
  • The door is single.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The door is 87cm wide.
  • The tables in the studio are 68cm high.
  • There are chairs without armrests available.

The Reading Room

  • This room is located to the right of the lift on the ground floor.
  • The room is 12m from the lift.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The door is single.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The door is 87cm wide.
  • The computer tables and centre table are 68cm high.
  • Chairs with armrests are available.
  • This room must be pre booked and is usually used by students.

Eating and Drinking (The Glass Yard)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located on the lower ground floor to the left of the accessible entrance.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • 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 7m (7yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are 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 a fixed hearing loop at the counter in this area.
    • There is restaurant seating outside on the lower ground floor with river views.
    • There is also bench seating in this area.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG and G.
    • 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 bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 133cm (4ft 4in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 146cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 9in).
  • There are not 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the ground floor to the left of the reception area.
    • The facility is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access to 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 reception.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 340cm x 240cm (11ft 2in x 7ft 10in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers the changing bench and the toilet.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet is peninsular.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 177cm (5ft 10in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • 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 not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor opposite the accessible 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 190cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 3in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste, non-infectious waste, waste paper pedal bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 both sides.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Studio C- Male)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of Learning Studio C.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • There is a female accessible toilet adjacent.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 173cm x 203cm (5ft 8in x 6ft 8in).
    • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • This facility is only used by evening class students and hirers.

Accessible Shower (Studio C)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the female and male accessible toilets.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 54cm (1ft 9in).
  • There is not level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • This facility is only used by evening class students hirers.

Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor)

Baby Change Room

  • The baby change room is located on the ground floor.
  • This room 21m from the lift and is adjacent to the changing places facility.
  • The door opens by sliding inwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The width of the door is 81cm.
  • The height of the baby change table is 105cm.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.