Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a swimming pool, fitness suite, indoor play area, cafe, sports halls and exercise studio.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include hard tennis courts and astroturf tennis courts.
Opening Times (Centre)
- Monday 06:30 - 21:00.
- Tuesday 06:30 - 21:00.
- Wednesday 06:30 - 21:00.
- Thursday 06:30 - 21:00.
- Friday 06:30 - 21:00.
- Saturday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Sunday 08:00 - 16:00.
Opening Times (Cafe)
- Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday 09:00 - 16:00.
- Sunday 09:00 - 16:00.
Location
- There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Sunderland.
- The nearest Metro Station is University.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- 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 8 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 369cm x 600cm (12ft 1in x 19ft 8in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 25m (27yd 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.
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Drop-off Point
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- 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.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 117cm (3ft 10in).
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Second set of doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 115cm (3ft 9in).
Level Change (Main Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp or slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on the right going up.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
- There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
- The step(s) is/are not 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).
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Comments
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- There is also an easy slope in front of the steps (shown in photographs 5 and 6).
Reception
- The desk/counter is 9m (9yd 2ft) 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 not a hearing assistance system.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in the gym and studios.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Comments
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- The spin studio has lights which flash and change colour during classes.
Eating and Drinking (Cafe)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the rear right of the reception foyer, in front of the sports halls.
- 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 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 41cm (1ft 4in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 69cm (2ft 3in).
- The standard height for tables is 69cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall 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 hot and cold meals and snacks.
Swimming Pool
- There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
- There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
- There is a wet side chair available.
- There is a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
- The hoist is hydraulic.
- There are steps into the swimming pool.
- There are 5 steps.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
- There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.
Fitness Suite
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Access to Fitness Suite
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- The fitness suite is located to the rear left of the reception foyer, opposite the cafe.
- The fitness suite is 17m (18yd 1ft) 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 174cm wide.
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Fitness Suite (General)
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- Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.
- Training provided is Move to Improve.
- Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes free weights, hand bike, cable pulley machines, and upper body machines.
- A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
- There is level access to all of the equipment.
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Comments
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- There are security barriers beyond the entrance.
- The width of the standard barrier is 51cm.
- The width of the wide barrier is 98cm.
- The wide barrier is operated by a member of staff in the fitness suite.
Indoor Tennis Courts
- There are 8 indoor tennis courts.
- Courts 1-4 are at the rear of the building.
- Courts 1-4 are 27m from the main entrance.
- There is a door to access courts 1-4.
- The door opens automatically towards you.
- The door is push pad operated.
- The door is single.
- The door width is 84cm.
- There are bench seats near the net on each court.
- Courts 5-8 are on the opposite side of the building and have a manual door to enter.
- Courts 5-8 are 83m from the main entrance.
- Courts 5-8 are shown in photograph 6.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the corridor to the rear left of the building.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- The lift is approximately 48m (52yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 137cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 6in).
- 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 not have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The controls are 117cm - 124cm from the floor.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
Changing Places (Wet Side)
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Location and access
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- The facility is located to the right as you enter.
- The facility is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the facility.
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Dimensions and features
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- You do need a key for the facility.
- It is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from reception.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 450cm x 179cm (14ft 9in x 5ft 10in).
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 178cm (5ft 10in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- 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 274cm (8ft 12in).
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 152cm (4ft 12in).
- 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 tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
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Comments
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- The room is L-shaped.
- The depth given is the minimum.
- The maximum depth 304cm.
- The overhead hoist covers the changing bench, toilet, and shower.
Accessible Shower (Wet Side - 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
- Other facilities available include; drop down rails on both sides.
- There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
Toilet with Adaptations (Wet Side - Changing Village)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter, within the changing village.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from reception.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- There is 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
- 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 clinical waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Tennis Courts and Group Exercise Studios)
- 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 69m (75yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 168cm x 195cm (5ft 6in x 6ft 5in).
- 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 92cm (3ft).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is not 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, non-infectious waste and sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
- 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 111cm (3ft 8in).
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 poor.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Standard Changing Room (Dry Side - Changing Village)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the fitness suite.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right as you enter, opposite the reception.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
Standard Changing Room (Wet Side - Changing Village)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the reception desk.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the swimming pool.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right as you enter, opposite the reception.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
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Comments
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- There is a family changing cubicle with a baby seat.
- The height of the baby seat when extended is 85cm.
- There is a family changing cubicle with a baby change unit.
- The height of the baby change when extended is 84cm.
Standard Toilet(s)
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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 Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 65m (71yd 3in) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 73m (79yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- Additional standard female and male toilets are available throughout the building.
Additional Info
- Documents can be requested 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 areas surrounding the building.
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Comments
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- Access to Wi-Fi is available.