You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include an art gallery, halls and rooms for hire, a theatre, recording studio, rehearsal space and Courtyard Café and Bar.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include units for hire, an art workshop, and a courtyard.

You are on COVID-19 Information. Skip to the next section.

COVID-19 Information

• The information in this section was taken in May 2021.
• There are separate doors for entering and exiting.
• The rear entrance is currently being used as an exit only.
• 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 sanitiser is 121cm.
• Hand sanitisers are available inside the venue.
• 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) .

You are on Opening Times (Arts Centre). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (Arts Centre)

• Monday Closed.
• Tuesday 13:00 - 22:00.
• Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
• Thursday 09:00 - 22:00.
• Friday 09:30 - 17:00.
• Saturday 09:00 - 15:30.
• Sunday Closed.

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• Comments View
  • The closing times on Friday and Saturday may vary depending on events at the centre.

You are on Opening Times (The Courtyard Cafe Bar). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (The Courtyard Cafe Bar)

• Monday 12:00 - 23:00.
• Tuesday 12:00 - 23:00.
• Wednesday 12:00 - 23:00.
• Thursday 12:00 - 23:00.
• Friday 12:00 - 00:00.
• Saturday 12:00 - 00:00.
• Sunday 12:00 - 23:00.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is Chester-le-Street.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

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.
• On Street Parking and Drop-off Details. View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • There is an electric charging point between the second and third Blue Badge bay, as seen in photographs 3, 4 and 5.
  • The height to the top of the screen is 133cm.
  • The height to the charging point is 120cm.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front 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 132cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• Comments View
  • Photographs 6 and 7 show a shallow threshold leading to the entrance.
  • The surface of the flooring is uneven in places.
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 121cm.

You are on Outside Access (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 132cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located beyond the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located to the left as you enter.
  • There is/are 3 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

You are on Reception (Reception, Box Office and Gift Shop). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Reception, Box Office and Gift Shop)

• 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 moderate to good.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed 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 27/05/2021.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

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• Comments View
  • There is a similar counter at the right hand side of the reception as seen in photograph 2.
  • There is sofa seating with armrests at either end opposite the additional counter.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service(s).
• This venue does play background music.
• Music is played in the Courtyard Café Bar, in the gallery and in rooms during some events and exhibitions.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are varied.

You are on Gallery. Skip to the next section.

Gallery

• The gallery is located ahead as you enter the building, beyond the reception, box office and gift shop.
• The gallery has moveable walls and the layout varies depending on the exhibition.
• 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.

You are on Entrance (Theatre Toilets and Courtyard Café Bar Internal Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Theatre Toilets and Courtyard Café Bar Internal Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the gallery.

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• Entrance View
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located between the access to this area and the second entrance door.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 97cm (3ft 2in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
• Comments View
  • This entrance door is locked when the Arts Centre is closed.

You are on Theatre. Skip to the next section.

Theatre

• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
• Designated seating is located in at the front of the theatre.
• Wheelchairs are left with you.
• 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 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 rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
• 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.

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• Comments View
  • Photograph 5 shows the theatre with the tiered seating not in use.
  • This format may be used for some events.
  • 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.

You are on Level Change (Theatre). Skip to the next section.

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 moderate to 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.

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• Comments View
  • These steps are only used when the tiered seating in the theatre is being used.
  • The steps can be avoided by asking a member of staff to escort the patron.

You are on Dressing Room. Skip to the next section.

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 of the sinks is 78cm.
• The height of the space under the work surface is 59cm.

You are on Level Change (The Granary). Skip to the next section.

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 moderate to 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 the left going up the step(s).

You are on Outside Access (Courtyard Café Bar). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Courtyard Café Bar)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located in the courtyard at the rear of the arts centre.
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right and left of the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 122cm (4ft).
• Comments View
  • The height of the hand sanitiser is 100cm.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Courtyard Cafe Bar). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (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 Café 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.

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• Comments View
  • There is outdoor fixed bench seating and a marquee with tables and chairs without armrests at the front of the Courtyard Café Bar as seen in photographs 7 and 8.
  • This seating is located in the courtyard at the rear of the arts centre.

You are on Entrance (Courtyard). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Courtyard)

• This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue.

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• Entrance View
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm.

You are on Outside Access (Art Workshop). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Art Workshop)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the arts centre.
  • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 103cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located immediately in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 1 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 6cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

You are on Art Workshop. Skip to the next section.

Art Workshop

• There are tables and chairs in the art workshop.
• The chairs do not have armrests.
• 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.
• There is a large sink immediately ahead as you enter the workshop.
• The taps are 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.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Theatre and Café). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Theatre and Café)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • 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.
• 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 twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • 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 non-infectious waste 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 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).
• 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 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 moderate to good.
• 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).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Theatre and Café). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Theatre and Café)

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• 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 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 in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • There are additional standard female and male toilets in the Low Barn.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Low Barn). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Low Barn)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • 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.
• 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • 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).
• 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 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).
• 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 moderate to good.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

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.