Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Union Square Shopping Centre

Union Square, Guild Square, Aberdeen, AB11 5RG

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is generally step-free via slight slopes.
  • The shopping centre has 6 main entrances. All provide step-free access. All entrances have automatic doors.
  • The entrances are unsigned.
  • The most accessible surveyed entrance provides step-free level access to the shopping centre from level P1 of the multi-storey car park, with an alternative entrance to level G from the surface car park.
  • There is a slight slope beyond the multi-storey car park level P1 entrance to access the main lifts.
  • There is a slight slope beyond the bus station entrances to access the main shopping centre area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 6 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located on level G by the main lifts; in the centre; near the stations; by the bus station; on level 1 at the car parks end and in the centre by the Management Suite.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • There is an additional toilet with adaptations in the parent and baby and feeding room on the first floor at the car parks end.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the male and female standard toilet facilities on level 1.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level G, level 1 and by the bus station.
  • Changing Places Facilities View
    • Changing Places facilities are located on level G off the east corridor near the bus station.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on level G east corridor by the bus station and on level 1 south end opposite the lifts.

Level P1 Entrance (Multi-Storey Car Park)

  • This entrance is located on level P1 of the multi-storey car park by the Blue Badge bays.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 180cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is step-free level access via lift as you enter.
  • The lift bypasses the steps.
  • There are 16 steps as you enter.
  • There are handrails on both sides and also a central handrail.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
  • There is an alternative ramped entrance with automatic folding doors to the right of this entrance.
  • The steps can be bypassed by the shopping centre south lifts.

South Entrance (Surface Car Park)

  • This entrance is located at the car park end of the shopping centre on level G.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 210cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.

Getting Around the Shopping Centre

  • There is step-free access throughout the shopping centre on all floors.
  • There are slight slopes in the corridor from the east entrances by the bus station, from the east entrances corridor to the toilet facilities and changing places facility and in the corridor between the level P1 entrance from the Blue Badge parking in the multi-storey car park to the shopping centre South Lifts.
  • Car park levels P2 and P3 can be accessed by the south stairs or by the south lifts.
  • There are 3 main lifts at the south end and 2 lifts at the north end of the shopping centre
  • There are 2 staircases at the south and centre of the shopping centre
  • There are escalators at the centre and north end of the shopping centre.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in resting areas includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Lifts

  • The lift surveyed is located by the south entrance of the shopping centre, rising to the multi-story car park.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • Levels G, 1, P1, P2 and P3 can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 1600kg.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 108cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 196cm (width) x 170cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a list of floor services/facilities, a visual floor indicator and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
    • There are additional lifts at the station end of the shopping centre between levels G and 1.

Escalators

  • The escalators surveyed are located at the station end of the shopping centre.
  • Levels G and 1 can be accessed by escalator.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are not clearly marked.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There are additional escalators in the centre of the shopping centre.

Stairs

  • The stairs are located by the south lifts of the shopping centre, rising to the multi-storey car park.
  • Levels G, 1, P1, P2, and P3 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm-45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There are additional stairs between levels G and 1 in the centre and at the station end of the shopping centre.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 1 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor at the car park end, next to the standard toilet facilities.
    • The distance from the lifts is 50m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 179cm (width) x 220cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 109cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a wall sensor flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level G - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on Level G in the centre of the Shopping Centre.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 110m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 94cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 167cm (width) x 232cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 97cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 107cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 89cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is a help call point outside the entrance. The height of the call button is 101cm.

Changing Places (Level G - East Corridor)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on level G in the east corridor, near the bus station .
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 200m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • This facility has remote operated access and a phone call is required to gain entry.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 94cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 336cm (width) x 240cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however they are obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 85cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 214cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the right transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 102cm from the floor.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 183cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses the changing bench and the toilet.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a fixed height wash basin.
    • The wash basin is 77cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 93cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is a call point outside the door to gain entry. The height of the call point button is 99cm.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Level 1)

  • The room is located on level 1 at the car park end, by the standard toilets.
  • The distance from the main lifts is 50m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single automatic door, which is push pad activated.
  • The height of the push pad is 110cm.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 129cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 94cm.
  • There is also a toilet, a wash basin, a hand dryer, a paper towel dispenser, an emergency alarm, a mirror and a coat hook in the room.
  • The wash basin has sensor taps.
  • The room has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • Seating available in this room includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and stools.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is also a toilet with adaptations, a separate feeding/nursing room, seating and a play area within the room.