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Washington Leisure Centre

Town Centre, Washington, Tyne & Wear, NE38 7SS

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a swimming pool, squash courts, trampoline hall, sports hall, gym, exercise studios, and cafe.

Opening Times (Leisure 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 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 08:30 - 19:00.

Opening Times (Pool)

  • Monday 06:30 - 20:30.
  • Tuesday 06:30 - 20:30.
  • Wednesday 06:30 - 20:30.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 18:30.
  • Friday 06:30 - 20:30.
  • Saturday 08:30 - 14:00.
  • Sunday 08:30 - 15:30.

Opening Times (Gym)

  • Monday 06:30 - 21:30.
  • Tuesday 06:30 - 21:30.
  • Wednesday 06:30 - 21:30.
  • Thursday 06:30 - 21:30.
  • Friday 06:30 - 21:00.
  • Saturday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 08:30 - 19:00.

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 to the front right of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 356cm x 597cm (11ft 8in x 19ft 7in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 15m (16yd 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)

  • 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 187cm (6ft 2in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • 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 181cm (5ft 11in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located either side as you face the entrance.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 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 not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers to the right of the reception desk.
    • The width of the standard barriers is 52cm.
    • The height of the card scanner is 77cm.
    • The width of the wide barrier is 101cm.
    • The wide barrier is operated by staff.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the building.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Low level coloured lighting is used in the spin studio during virtual classes (shown in photograph 8).

Eating and Drinking (The Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located at the front left of the building.
  • 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 7m (7yd 1ft) 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 67cm (2ft 2in).
  • The standard height for tables is 67cm.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a children's soft play area at the rear left of the cafe (shown in photograph 8).

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.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.
  • Comments View
    • There are 6 steps to enter the shallow pool with handrail on the right (shown in photograph 5).
    • There are 5 steps to enter the main pool with handrails on both sides (shown in photograph 6).

Sauna and Steam Room

  • There is a sauna and steam room to the rear right of the village change.
  • There is low level seating with armrests in the sauna and steam room area.
  • There is a standard shower with handrail on the right in the sauna and steam room area.
  • The height of the seats in the sauna and steam room is 47cm.
  • There is an upper level of seating which is 92cm.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0, 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 both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building, along the main corridor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0, 1.
  • The lift is approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • 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 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 medium.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • The fitness suite is 13m (14yd 8in) from the lift.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • Level access is by lift.
    • 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 84cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes hand bikes, upper body machines, and free weights.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The door is double with one locked leaf.
    • There are security barriers immediately beyond the entrance.
    • The width of the standard barrier is 51cm.
    • The height of the card scanner is 77cm.
    • The width of the wide barrier is 99cm.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the ground floor, to the left hand side of the village change.
    • The facility is approximately 37m (40yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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 outwards.
    • The width of the door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 399cm x 250cm (13ft 1in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 282cm (9ft 3in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • 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 available.

Accessible Shower (Village Change)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located on the ground floor, to the rear left of the village change.
  • 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 a fully functional emergency alarm.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet (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, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the left hand side of the main corridor, just beyond the reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 215cm (4ft 11in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 open waste paper bin, non-infectious waste, sanitary and clinical waste 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 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 109cm (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).
  • 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.
  • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar facility adjacent with the transfer space on the right.

Accessible Toilet (Village Change)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, to the right hand side of the village change.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 240cm (8ft 2in x 7ft 10in).
    • 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • 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 non-infectious waste and sanitary 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 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 109cm (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).
  • 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.

Accessible Shower (Village Change Accessible Toilet)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the accessible toilet.
  • 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.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille, pictorial and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 257cm x 210cm (8ft 5in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 189cm (6ft 2in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and sanitary 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • 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 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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.
    • 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.

Accessible Shower (First Floor)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the accessible toilet.
  • 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 a fully functional emergency alarm.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Standard Changing Room (Village Change)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the swiming pool.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left hand side of the main corridor, beyond the reception area.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are family changing cubicles available with baby change units (shown in photograph 5).
    • The height of the baby change when extended is 84cm.
    • There are lockers designed for the use of wheelchair users available (shown in photograph 6).

Standard Changing Room (Dry Side - Female)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the fitness suite.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the first floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar male facilities on the first floor, opposite the lift.

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 on the first floor, in the female dry side changing rooms.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor in the male dry side changing rooms.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the right hand side of village change.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 37m (40yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • The female toilets are shown in photographs 1-3.
    • The village change shared toilets are shown in photographs 4-5.
    • There are similar female and male standard toilets in the village change.

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 areas surrounding the building.