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Houghton Sports & Wellness Centre

Station Road, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear, DH4 5AH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a gym, an indoor bowling green, dance studio, meeting rooms, sports hall, and a multi-purpose hall.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include 3G football pitches and a bowling green.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30 - 21:00.
  • Tuesday 07:30 - 21:00.
  • Wednesday 07:30 - 21:00.
  • Thursday 07:30 - 21:00.
  • Friday 07:30 - 21:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 16:00.

Location

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

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 462cm x 593cm (15ft 2in x 19ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 19m (20yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 28m (30yd 1ft) 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 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • 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.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 143cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There are bollards between the car park and the entrance.
    • The minimum width between the bollards is 165cm.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 141cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • 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.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • There is/are 14 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.

Outside Access (Spin Studio Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front left of the building.
    • 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 width of the door opening is 92cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not 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.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 126cm (4ft 2in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives direct access to the studio and avoids the level change within the building.
    • This entrance can also be used to access meeting room 2, again avoiding the level change within the building.

Outside Access (Welfare Hall Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the left hand side of the building.
    • 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 with a locked extension leaf.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This door is opened from inside the building, and is only open when the Welfare Hall is in use.
    • Using this entrance avoids the level change within the building.

Outside Access (Primary Care Centre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building, leading in from the first floor of the Primary Care Centre.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.

Entrance (Primary Care Centre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building, leading in from the first floor of the Primary Care Centre.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 369cm.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the fitness suite, studios and welfare hall.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Wheelchairs are available to borrow for use on the indoor bowling green (shown in photograph 11).

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The fitness suite is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open away from you (push).
    • The doors are double.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 168cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes hand bikes, free weights and upper body machines.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Level Change (Indoor Bowls Green)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located along the main corridor, to the left hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
  • 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.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located along the main corridor, to the left hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
  • There is/are 4 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).

Level Change (Welfare Hall, Meeting Rooms and Spin Studio)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the front left of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
  • There is/are 7 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.
  • Comments View
    • These steps can be overcome by using the Spin Studio entrance or the Welfare Hall entrance.

Level Change (Welfare Hall)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the front left of the building as you enter via the main entrance, leading into the hall.
  • There is/are 5 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • This level change can be avoided by using the Welfare Hall entrance.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are meeting room 1 and the shared standard toilets.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located to the left hand side of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The facility is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Dimensions and features View
    • The dimensions of the facility are 304cm x 489cm (9ft 12in x 16ft 1in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 171cm (5ft 7in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 183cm (6ft).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • 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 not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
  • Comments View
    • A keycode is required to access the changing place.
    • Please ask a member of staff for access to the changing place.

Accessible Shower (Changing Place)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the changing place.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • Other facilities available include; drop down rails on both sides, and an emergency alarm.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Toilet with Adaptations (Female Changing Room)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located within the standard female changing room.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 174cm (4ft 12in x 5ft 9in).
    • 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 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 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 sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet within the male changing room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Welfare Hall)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Welfare Hall entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the left between the first and second set of doors at the 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 216cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 1in).
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 open waste paper bin and 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Changing Room (Female)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the fitness suite.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left hand side of the building.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is not level access to the shower facilities.
  • The shower cubicle(s) / area is / are accessed via a shallow step.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar male changing room in the same area, 45m from the main entrance.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the standard female changing room.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the standard male changing room.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the landing of the stairs, to the front left of the building.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the stairs landing.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the standard female changing room.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
  • Comments View
    • The standard toilets in the female changing room are shown in photographs 1 and 2.
    • The shared toilet is shown in photographs 3 and 4.

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.