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The Blackpool Tower Ballroom

The Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located at the front end of the Ballroom in the corridor.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
    • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located down the stairs, at the left rear and left front corners of the ballroom.

Parking (Houndshill Car Park)

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located on Coronation Street.
    • The name of the car park is Houndshill Car Park.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

Promenade Entrance

  • This entrance is located on the promenade at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 3 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 13cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 144cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 141cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Blackpool Tower Reception

  • The reception is located to the left from the Promenade Entrance.
  • The distance from the Promenade Entrance is 4m.
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 121cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 96cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.

North Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left from the Promenade Entrance.
  • The distance from the Promenade Entrance is 12m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 85cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 180cm (width) x 155cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
  • There is another lift on the other side of reception which does not access levels 6 and 7.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located ahead from the Promenade Entrance.
  • Levels 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Reception (Ballroom)

  • The reception is located on level 3, ahead from the North lift.
  • The distance from the North lift is 6m.
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 119cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Platform Lift (Ballroom)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead from the North lift.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the North lift is 9m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Level 5 and the Ballroom are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The lift door opening width is 85cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 100cm (width) x 145cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • The use of the lift is supervised by a staff member.

Entrance (Ballroom Foyer)

  • This entrance is located ahead from the North lift.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 130cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is stepped access as you enter.
  • The lift bypasses the steps.
  • There are 5 steps with a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.

The Ballroom

  • The room is located on level 5, ahead from the platform lift.
  • The distance from the platform lift is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a platform lift.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The doors require effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 134cm.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: seating at the ballroom floor level to the right and left.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the gallery levels to the rear and sides of the ballroom.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Eating and Drinking (Ballroom Café )

  • Location and Access View
    • The café is located in the ballroom.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is available.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • There is an afternoon tea service which is available for all tables.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the rear of the Ballroom.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 121cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the seating where afternoon tea is served.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located at the front end of the Ballroom in the corridor.
    • The distance from the platform lift is 70m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a steep ramp or slope and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 140cm (width) x 275cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 70cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.