Montpellier Gardens

*Social distancing guidelines were stringently followed during this audit*

Accessibility Rating

Physical

Four and a half out of five

Location: Montpellier Gardens
Montpellier Spa Road
Cheltenham
GL50 1UL

Parking and entrance 

There isn’t a car park for Montpellier Gardens, however there is roadside parking all around it. There are no accessible bays on the immediate roads next to the Gardens, however there are accessible bays outside The Ivy nearby.

There is step free access all around the gardens.

Access around Montpellier Gardens

Access around Montpellier Gardens is generally very good. The pathways are wide, in good condition and can be easily distinguished from the grass. There are benches all around the Gardens with space on either side so a wheelchair user can sit next to somebody on the bench.

There are multiple tennis courts in the gardens. These have stepped entry from the front but there is step free entry via a double gate on the side. This gate was locked during our visit.

Near here is a children’s play area, there is no accessible play equipment here.

In front of the tennis courts is the Gardens Gallery. This also has stepped entry from the front however there is a useful map on the right-hand side of the building that guides wheelchair users to the accessible entrance and alarm bell to request assistance. This is at the back of the building which can be accessed by a ramp on the right, this is a short distance away.

Near here is the gardens café. This has a slight step for entry. It may be possible for a wheelchair user to enter the gardens as the step is slightly lowered, however the step at the exit would be too high. Due to COVID-19 there is currently a one-way system in place meaning it wouldn’t be possible for a wheelchair user to use the café safely.

Accessible Toilet

Step free access to the accessible toilet requires leaving the gardens for a moment and entering back in through a different entrance. There is a large accessible toilet that requires a RADAR key for entry. This toilet has turning space and plenty of room for a wheelchair user and assistant.

The toilet is in the middle of the wall, meaning there is a large transfer space on either side and the sink would not be reachable from a seated position on the toilet. This means the sink cannot be reached from the toilet. There or two drop down rails on either side of the toilet and handrails fixed on the wall at the back of the toilet. The toilet is at the correct height from the ground at 48cm, allowing for easy transfer for a wheelchair user.

All the amenities are at a lowered height and there is a sanitary bin next to the toilet, however there is no mirror.

Imperial Gardens

*Social distancing guidelines were stringently followed during this audit*

Accessibility Rating

Physical

Three and a half out of five

Location: Imperial Gardens
Imperial Square
Cheltenham
GL50 1

Parking and entrance

There is roadside parking all around Imperial Square and there are 2 accessible bays. The accessible bays are smaller than the recommended size and the closest dropped kerb is on the corner.

Access around Imperial Gardens

The Gardens are kept in pristine condition and are full of beautiful flowers, it’s an ideal place for a picnic on a summers day.

Overall access around Imperial Gardens is very good. The pathways are clear and smooth and wide enough for people to pass each other at a safe distance. There are times when a wheelchair user will need to take a less direct route in order to avoid steps or the grass, however there is nowhere that is inaccessible for a wheelchair user. The grass is smooth meaning it would not be too difficult for a wheelchair user to wheel onto the grassed areas.

There are benches located all around the outskirts of the gardens. Some of these have plants on either side meaning a wheelchair user will be unable to sit next to somebody on a bench.

The information boards and signage around the gardens are in a small font and may be difficult for somebody with a visual impairment to read.

Garden Bar

The garden bar has a hand sanitising unit at the entrance and a ramp leading up to the bar. There is no lowered bar area.

The original garden bar seating area has steps to gain access from the bar so would be inaccessible for a wheelchair. There is also a marquee next to the bar with a seating area inside, this has step free access.

Accessible toilet

There is an accessible toilet at the end of the building behind the bar. There is step free access to this by following the path around the marquee. There is also stepped access from the far end of the bar. This requires a RADAR key for entry.

There is no handle on the front of the door which means it would be difficult for somebody with limited dexterity or a wheelchair user to open. The toilet measures 1330mm x 1660mm, this is below the standard and is quite small. It would be quite difficult for a wheelchair user and a carer fit in here.

There is a small transfer space on the right of the toilet and all the amenities are lowered apart from the coat hook. There are well placed grabrails and a drop-down rail. There is no emergency pull cord in the toilet.