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Northgate Arena

Victoria Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 2AU

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Chester.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Chester.

Opening Times

  • Monday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Friday 06:30 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 20:00.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • There is an entrance barrier at the car park entrance which issues out tickets. Before leaving the complex, visitors are required to validate their ticket in order to exit the car park via the exit barriers.
    • The car park is located to front of the entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 340cm x 650cm (11ft 2in x 21ft 4in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 66m (72yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 83m (90yd 2ft) 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 dropped kerbs.
    • 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 side 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 142cm (4ft 8in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The width of the door opening is 177cm (5ft 10in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the main entrance doors.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the venue.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking (Brio Leisure Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located opposite the main reception.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • 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.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main reception.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is 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 not clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, M.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two sets of similar stairs.
    • One set is in reception and the other set is next to the lift.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the centre.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 115cm (4ft 3in x 3ft 9in).
  • There are 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 good.

Inside Access (Taekwondo Hall)

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • The lighting levels are good.

Level Change (Taekwondo Hall)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located inside the entrance to the hall.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 123cm (4ft).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located directly inside the hall.
  • There is/are 7 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Fitness Suite (Gymnasium)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor.
    • The fitness suite is 14m (15yd 11in) 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 towards you (pull).
    • The doors are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The opening is 156cm (5ft 1in) wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.
  • Comments View
    • The doors are opened via a keypad
    • The keypad is 110cm in height from the floor.

Swimming Pool (Leisure Pool)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is 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 manual.
  • There are not steps into the swimming pool.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Swimming Pool (Training 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 manual.
  • There are not steps into the swimming pool.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the accessible changing room.
  • 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 53cm (1ft 9in).
  • Other facilities available include; dropdown rails.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Standard Changing Room (Dry Side)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 43m (47yd 1in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 31m (33yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the sports hall.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located off the main corridor.
  • 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.

Standard Shower (Dry Side)

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the changing area.
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.

Standard Changing Room (Wet Side)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the pool.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located off the main corridor.
  • 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.

Standard Shower (Wet Side)

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the changing area.
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet (Café - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the far end of the cafe, on the right past reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 235cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 9in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • An additional accessible toilet is also available at first floor level.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the main corridor.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 44m (48yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard toilets and family rooms.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of survey, the female standard toilets could not be accessed.
    • Additional male and female toilets are available within the changing rooms and at first floor level.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water cannot be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • Comments View
    • There are several part-time members of staff who know basic BSL. Please contact the venue in advance to confirm availability.