Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include an art gallery, halls and rooms for hire, a theatre, and a cafe bar.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include units for hire, an art workshop, and a courtyard.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Chester-le-Street.
Opening Times (Arts Centre)
- Monday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 09:30 - 22:00.
- Wednesday 09:30 - 21:00.
- Thursday 09:30 - 22:00.
- Friday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Saturday 09:30 - 17:00.
- Sunday Closed.
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Comments
View
- Opening times on Friday, Saturday and Sundays may vary depending on events at the centre.
Opening Times (The Courtyard Cafe Bar)
- Monday 10:00 - 23:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 23:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 23:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 23:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 00:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 00:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 23:00.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
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Venue Car Park
View
- The car park is located in front of the building.
- 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 3 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 302cm x 485cm (9ft 11in x 15ft 11in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main 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 slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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On Street Parking and Drop-off Details.
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 149cm (4ft 11in).
Level Change (Main Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Outside Access (Rear Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 62cm (2ft).
Level Change (Rear Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located beyond the entrance, to the left.
- The ramp/slope is moderate.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on the left going up.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 106cm (3ft 6in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located beyond the entrance, to the left.
- There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- 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 the right going up.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Reception (Reception and Box Office)
- The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The lighting levels are medium.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
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Comments
View
- There is an additional identical counter at the right hand side of the reception and box office (shown in photograph 3).
- There is seating opposite the additional counter.
- The seating is sofas with armrests.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in the cafe / bar, and in the gallery and rooms during some events and exhibitions.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Gallery
- The gallery is located ahead as you enter the building, beyond the reception and box office.
- The gallery has moveable walls and the layout varies depending on the exhibition.
- There are seating areas next to the main gallery area.
- Some of the seats have armrests.
- There are children's seats with armrests.
- The seating areas have tables.
- The height of the lowest table is 59cm.
- The height of the highest table is 70cm.
Level Change (The Granary)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the right as you enter from the main entrance.
- There is/are 14 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- 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 the left going up.
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
Lift (The Granary)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right as you enter from the main entrance.
- The lift is a chair stair lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
Level Change (Theatre, Cafe and Toilets)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the rear left of the gallery as you enter from the main entrance.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 98cm (3ft 3in).
Theatre
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located at the front of the theatre.
- Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit in the row behind the designated seating.
- It is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
- The rows suitable for hearing loops are all rows.
- There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
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Comments
View
- Level access to the theatre is available on request.
- Level access is via a staff only area of the building.
- Wheelchairs and patrons with mobility issues are escorted to the designated seating by a member of staff.
- Audio description may be available depending on the performance.
- Relaxed performances are available from time to time.
- Please contact the centre for more information about audio description and relaxed performances.
- Free carers tickets are available.
Level Change (Theatre)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the rear of the building, leading to the theatre upper entrance.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- 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.
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Comments
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- The steps can be avoided by asking a member of staff to escort the patron.
Dressing Room
- The dressing room is located opposite the theatre, off the accessible entrance area.
- The dressing room is 14m from the main entrance.
- There are chairs and a table in the dressing room.
- Some of the chairs have armrests.
- The height of the table is 62cm.
- There are sinks and large mirrors.
- The height to the sinks is 78cm.
- The height of the space under the work surface is 59cm.
Outside Access (The Courtyard Cafe Bar Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located to the rear right of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
Level Change (The Courtyard Cafe Bar Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left and right as you face the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 122cm (4ft).
Eating and Drinking (The Courtyard Cafe Bar)
- The following information is for the café/bar.
- The café/bar is located at the rear right of the building.
- The bar does serve food.
- Full table service is not 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 3m (3yd 10in) from the courtyard cafe bar 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 not 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 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 a modern bar menu.
Outside Access (Art Workshop Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located in the courtyard, opposite the rear entrance.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 105cm (3ft 5in).
Level Change (Art Workshop Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp or slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located in the doorway.
- There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
Art Workshop
- There are tables and chairs in the art workshop.
- The height of the lowest table is 62cm.
- The height of the highest table is 94cm.
- The height of the majority of the tables is 68cm.
- The chairs do not have armrests.
- There is a large sink immediately ahead as you enter the workshop.
- The taps are separate twist / turn.
- The height of the large sink is 83cm.
- There is a standard sink at the rear of the building to the left as you enter.
- The taps are twist / turn mixer.
- The height of the standard sink is 96cm.
Accessible Toilet (Low Barn)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- 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 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the left hand side of the building, through Low Barn.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 182cm (4ft 9in x 5ft 12in).
- 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
- 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 not an emergency alarm.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- 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 not a mirror.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 123cm (4ft).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 86cm (2ft 10in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Accessible Toilet (Theatre and Cafe)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the building.
- There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 198cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 6in).
- 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 63cm.
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 76cm.
- 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 not an emergency alarm.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 107cm (3ft 6in).
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 85cm (2ft 9in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 99cm (3ft 3in).
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Comments
View
- The dropdown rail is on the left as you face the toilet.
- The flush is on the right as you face the toilet.
Standard Toilet(s) (Theatre and Cafe)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the rear of the building.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
View
- There are additional standard female and male toilets in the Low Barn.
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.
- An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
- The assistance dog toilet area is located on the grass surrounding the building.