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.