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Ness Botanic Gardens - Main Visitor Centre Building

The University of Liverpool, Neston Road, Ness, Cheshire, CH64 4AY

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; café, shop, conference facilities, lecture theatre , standard and accessible toilets.
    • Services / Facilities within the grounds include; public gardens, standard and accessible toilets.
    • Ness Botanic Gardens are located in Ness Village Cheshire.
    • Ness Gardens Grounds link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located within the visitor centre .
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located within the visitor centre.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located within the visitor centre.
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the visitor centre .

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and anybody.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located in front of the visitor centre.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 10 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 246cm x 450cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 36m from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • 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.
    • This entrance gives access to the visitor centre reception area.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Welcome'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 140cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance - Ness Gardens Grounds)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located beyond the reception desk security barrier at the rear of the venue.
    • This entrance gives access to Ness garden grounds or reception area.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 97cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located beyond the entrance to access the grounds.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception (Visitor Centre)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead beyond the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 95cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 70cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is obstructed.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • Security Barriers View
    • There are security barriers at the reception.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 50cm.
    • The width of the wider security barriers is 90cm.
    • A key card is required to pass through the security barriers.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
  • Comments View
    • The security barriers give access the rear entrance which gives access to the grounds.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slope leading to the lecture theatre, conference suit and standard toilets.
    • The lecture theatre, conference suit and standard toilets. There are further steps leading to the conference suite.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl and carpet.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Lecture Theatre/ Conference Suite)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located to the right of the reception desk.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the lecture theatre and the conference suite.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • 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 width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located to the right of the reception desk, in front of the lecture theatre.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access The steps are used to access the lecture theatre, conference suite and the standard toilets.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 12cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Step(s) (Conference Suite)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located in front of the conference suite.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access The steps are used to access the conference suite.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
    • There is a platform lift to overcome the step(s).

Lift (Conference Suite)

  • The lift is located opposite the conference suite.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are level change to conference suite.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 410kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Hulme Room Lecture Theatre)

  • Signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the back.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is not space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • There are steps to either side of the lecture theatre to access the speakers table.
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 82cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do have handrails.
  • The steps have handrails which are wall mounted on either side of the room.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Eating and Drinking (Ness Botanic Kitchen)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located to the right beyond the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
    • For access there are double manual doors.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 92cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 72cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Dovecote At Ness

  • There is a single door inside the visitor centre to access the shop area.
  • The door is heavy and opens away from you 96cm wide.
  • The ground are laid with concrete flag stone paving with any easy gradient.
  • There is adequate space between the aisles for wheelchair users.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the reception desk.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 247cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 78cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 100cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right of the reception desk.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 28m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.