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Sky VIP Lounge

Utilita Arena Birmingham, King Edwards Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2AA

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Access Guide

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Getting to the Utilita Arena Birmingham

Outside Access (Entrance A - Level 1 Hospitality)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the Level 1 outer concourse.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Priority Entrance'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 160cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Outside Access (Sky VIP Lounge - Level 1 Outer Concourse)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the Level 1 outer concourse.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'sky vip'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 200cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Entrance (Sky VIP - Level 1 Concourse - Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located along the concourse.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'sky vip'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 165cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Reception (Sky VIP)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right after entering.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are low to moderate.
    • The height of the reception counter is 110cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/08/2024.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is not a seating area close to the reception point.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the the outside entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift (Entrance A - Hospitality)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the Entrance A foyer.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the entrance A.
  • The lift is a standard 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 1 (Reception), Level 2 (Quartz) and Level 3 ( Foundry, ShowDeck, ShowLounge and ShowCubes).
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not 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 (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 137cm x 200cm (4ft 6in x 6ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does 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.

Entrance (Quartz Restaurant to Sky VIP)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Quartz Restaurant.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'sky vip'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 150cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Eating and Drinking (Sky VIP)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the bar.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar 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.
    • Background music is only played during certain functions.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is located at the bar.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/08/2024.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 100cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 77cm.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The height between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 44cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 100cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 60cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 46cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 107cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • In this area there are coffee tables, high tables, long tables, booths, bench seats and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the bar.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the stairs doors.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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 high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • 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 sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 91cm.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right of the bar.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the stairs doors.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.