General
The centre was built in 1975 and has not been fully upgraded in line with modern requirements re accessibility. We are looking for ways to address this, but there is currently poor provision for people with special needs.
If your event will include people with special needs, or if it is open to the public generally, please discuss accessibility issues with us before booking.
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Sensory issues
Hearing impairment
The centre does not have an induction loop. The fire alarm is auditory only. Service dogs can be accommodated but are not allowed in the kitchen.
Visual impairment
The centre does not have braille or large print signage. The steps in the main hall are a particular hazard for people with visual deficits, and there are also a number of pillars supporting the structure of the building, which could represent a hazard.
Service dogs can be accommodated but are not allowed in the kitchen.
The building is well lit with LED lighting throughout.
Sensory overload
The centre is in a quiet location and colours are muted. There is direct access from all areas of the building to a quiet garden with seating and to wooded areas.
There is no automatic air freshening system and scented air fresheners are not routinely used.
The building is lit with LED lights; individual areas can be left unlit if required, subject to lighting being adequate for general safety requirements.
The two areas of the centre are separated by walls with an acoustic blanket over the linking doorway. None the less, noise may transfer between the two areas.
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Mobility
All areas can be separately accessed by wheelchair users or persons of limited mobility. There is a disabled toilet. Car parking can be provided close to the building.
However the Centre is NOT fully accessible, and there are not accessible links between all areas within the building.
Links between areas
The main hall is divided into two levels, separated by 4 steps. (Click image to enlarge)
Upper level – bar area, bar and kitchen, all toilets including disabled toilet, office, storage areas. The upper level is approached step-free via a ramp from the carpark to the main double doors.
Lower level – main hall, gym, studio. The lower level is approached step-free via a sloped patio from the carpark to the secondary double doors into the main hall, or to the door of the gym. There is a single bannister rail on the steps from the upper level to the studio.
There are broad steps between the bar and main hall. There are bannister rails on both sides, but only one could be held at any time, as the steps are broad.
There are narrow steps with a single bannister rail between the foyer and the studio.
To move between the upper and lower areas step-free, it is necessary to go outside into the carpark and use the ramp from the main door.
Outdoor areas
There is step free access to a garden with seating and to a small wooded area.
There is step free access to the playing field and upper wooded area via a sloped public footpath from the gated end of the carpark. The shorter route to the playing field and upper wooded area is via one of two bridges, both of which involve steep steps.
Fire safety
There are step free fire exits from all areas. Hirers are responsible for ensuring that people with mobility needs are assisted as required.
Toilets
There is a disabled toilet on the upper level. Approaching this from the lower level requires the user to exit the building and go through the carpark to access the upper level via the ramp to the main door.
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Children and infants
The main hall / bar area is self-contained can be kept secure to prevent children or infants slipping out unnoticed.
The main hall / bar area has its own male and female toilet areas, but they are normal height, not child adapted.
There is a nappy changing unit in the disabled toilet. The disabled toilet can be accessed by people using the main hall / bar area, but is also the toilet facility for users of the studio / gym / office.
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Gender issues
As well as the male and female toilets off the main hall / bar area, there is the disabled toilet off the foyer which is a unisex facility which can be used by any user of the centre.
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Emergency facilities
There are auditory smoke alarms with flashing lights and an auditory fire alarm system. There are no sprinklers. Fire extinguishers are clearly marked with glow-in-the-dark stickers and noted on the fire signs throughout the building. Fire exit signs are illuminated.
There is an AED in the office, clearly signed.
There is a first aid kit in the kitchen (upper area), clearly signed, and in the gym (lower area), clearly signed.
There is no outgoing phone line, but mobile reception is good.