by Christian Drewitt | Accessible Parking, Cheltenham, Leisure, Quick Picks, Recommended Venues
Leisure at Cheltenham | 19th September 2019
Accessibility Rating
Physical
Four out of five
Sensory
Five out of five
Location: Leisure at Cheltenham
Tommy Taylors Lane
Cheltenham
GL50 4RN
Parking
There are 6 accessible parking bays at Leisure at Cheltenham which are in their own section at the entrance to the building. The ground is smooth and there is a dropped kerb which makes access to the building very easy
Entrance and Reception
There are 2 sets of automatic double doors on either side of the front of the building which stay open for a suitable amount of time for a wheelchair user or person of limited mobility to pass through comfortably. The entrance is open plan and the whole reception desk is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user or person of smaller stature, but there is a lowered reception section on the right, too.
There is an automatic sign in screen to the left as you enter. This is quite high and may be uncomfortable for a wheelchair user or person of smaller stature to use comfortably
To the left of reception are 4 sets of access gates which only open when an individual scans their membership card. These gates are glass with subtle circular patterns on them. These may be difficult to distinguish for people with a visual impairment or people suffering with dementia. These gates don’t stay open for very long and may cause a wheelchair user or person with limited mobility difficulty getting through in time. The people at reception are happy to help though, and can keep them open from controls at their desk.
IMAGE Double automatic doors at entrance
Wayfinding
Due to the age of the building and the numerous additions that have been added on throughout the years it has quite a complex layout and is based mainly on the ground floor. This may be quite confusing to navigate however there is clear signage at the entrance. There is also signage throughout the building which is in the process of being changed. The new signage is very large but is written vertically which may be confusing for somebody with a visual impairment or dementia.
IMAGE Main signage at entrance
Accessible toilet near gym
On the first right down the corridor to the gym are the changing rooms and 2 accessible toilets.
The doorway to the toilets are 900mm wide which is the correct size, however the accessible toilets are smaller than minimum requirements at 1380mm x 1880mm which may mean it is difficult for a wheelchair user and an assistant to fit comfortably.
The emergency pull cord is to the left and slightly behind when at a seated position. There is a bin which obstructs the pull cord hanging freely and may make the bottom ring pull difficult to reach. The toilet is 48cm from the ground which is the correct height for an accessible toilet. The flush is a push button which may be difficult for people with limited dexterity to use.
There is a disposable and sanitary bin in the toilet and all of the amenities are at the correct height for a wheelchair user. The grab rails are a contrasting colour to the walls to aid the visually impaired and the floor is non-slip.
IMAGE Accessible toilet near gym
Gym changing rooms
The gym changing rooms may be quite hard to navigate due to the way they are laid out. There a numerous directions one can take but at the furthest point is the accessible changing room.
The accessible changing room is fitted with a door that opens outwards and has a horizontal grab rail on the inside. There is also a wall-mounted tip up seat provided and an emergency pull cord which is reachable from this seat, however there is only one ring pull instead of two. The grab rails in the accessible changing room are a contrasting colour to the walls to aid the visually impaired. There isn’t a bench in the changing room.
Accessible shower in gym changing rooms
The accessible shower in the gym changing rooms has a wall mounted tip up seat with a backrest. There is a drop-down grab rail to the right of the seat and a horizontal grab rail under the shower head. There is also a drop-down grab rail to the right of the shower. The seat and grab rails are a contrasting colour to the walls to aid the visually impaired.
The floor is non-slip and there is an emergency pull cord to the right of the seat from a seated position. This is easily reachable, however there is only on ring pull at the around 100cm from the ground.
IMAGE Accessible shower in gym changing rooms
Gym
The gym is a large space with coloured lighting and music in the background. This can be quite loud in places. The employees in the gym are knowledgeable about accessibility needs and informed us that they always ensure that there is enough space between gym equipment for a wheelchair user to get around with ease.
The gym offers numerous accessible equipment. These include an arm bike, a treadmill and bike both with raised buttons for the visually impaired and an inclusive cable machine. These offer a variety of different types of work outs for a range of disabilities. There are 4 or 5 wheelchair users who currently attend this gym and make use of these brilliant facilities.
There is also a supervised gym session every Wednesday which is ideal for individuals with disabilities who wish to learn how to use the equipment and gain confidence.
IMAGE Treadmill with raised buttons for visually impaired
IMAGE Raised buttons on treadmill
Sports hall
Opposite the corridor to the gym changing rooms is the entrance to the sports hall. Access to this is gained via double pull manual doors. These are quite heavy and don’t stay open as they are fire doors, meaning it would be very difficult for a wheelchair user to pass through them without assistance. The corridor to the sports hall has enough turning space for a wheelchair and the sports hall is large and well lit with contrasting walls and floors.
Viewing Area
On the first floor there is a viewing area for the sports hall. This can be accessed via stairs or a lift near the café. There is a large space in the viewing area that can be occupied by wheelchairs.
IMAGE Viewing gallery for sports hall
Café
The café is an open plan space with round tables and easily moveable chairs. A wheelchair user can comfortably sit at the tables and there is a counter with staff always behind to offer any assistance.
Accessible shower in swimming pool changing rooms
Through the access gates near the entrance are the swimming pool changing rooms.
The lockers require a padlock up to 8mm and you can bring your own with you, alternatively you can purchase a padlock at reception for £4.
The shower has a wall mounted tip up seat and an adjustable shower head. There are two drop down grab-rails and one horizontal grab-rail under the shower. The grab-rails are a contrasting colour to the walls to aid the visually impaired. The floor is non-slip and there is an emergency pull cord with two pull rings on it. The pull cord is quite far away from the wall mounted seat and may be difficult to reach.
IMAGE Accessible shower in swimming pool changing rooms
Changing Places Facility
There is changing places facility located in the swimming pool changing rooms. This is very large and has a ceiling hoist, a toilet, a variable height changing sink and a variable height changing bench. The emergency pull cord is flush with the wall which may make it difficult to reach.
IMAGE Adustable bed in changing places facility
IMAGE Adjustable sink and hoist in changing places facility
IMAGE Toilet in changing places facility
IMAGE Accessible toilet in swimming pool changing rooms
Swimming Pool
There is a main pool, a teaching pool, a children’s pool and a diving pool.
The main pool is 33m x 12.8m and can have up to six single lanes and the teaching pool is 23.8m x 9.65m.
There is both a manual and electric hoist to enter the pools for those with limited mobility so somebody can decide which type of hoist they would prefer to use.
There is a session for people with disabilities every Saturday at 11am in the teaching pool.
First Floor Accessible Toilet
The corridor to standard toilets upstairs is very dark, the signage is confusing and gives the impression the disabled toilet is through this corridor. The accessible toilet is to the left as you exit the lift.
The doorway to the toilet is 900mm wide which is the correct width, however it is quite a sharp turn to enter the toilet. The toilet is 1870mm x 2300mm which exceeds minimum requirements and leaves plenty of room for a wheelchair user and assistant, and turning space for a wheelchair. There is an emergency pull cord to the right when seated on the toilet, however an individual will have to lean backwards to be able to reach it from the toilet which may cause instability, especially for somebody with limited mobility.
All of the amenities are at a lowered height, suitable for a wheelchair user or person of smaller stature and there is a lowered coat hook on the wall. The toilet seat is 43cm from the ground which is too low for an accessible toilet.
IMAGE Signage to first floor toilets
IMAGE Upstairs accessible toilet
Evacuation Procedure
There is an evacuation meeting point at the front centre car park. Evacuation is carried out in 2 phases meaning the sound of the fire alarm does not mean there needs to be an immediate evacuation. Should there need to be an immediate evacuation then staff will inform visitors and assist anyone who needs extra help. There are visual fire alarms for the visually impaired and a refuge point at the upstairs viewing gallery for the sports hall.
Membership and extras
There is a concessionary rate available for individuals who are registered disabled.
Leisure at Cheltenham host the Special Olympics which displays their passion for inclusivity and knowledge of accessibility. Leisure at Cheltenham are also exploring the options of a sensory space for individuals with sensory issues.
by Christian Drewitt | Accessible Parking, Leisure, Quick Picks, Recommended Venues, Stroud
Stroud Registration Office | 12th September 2019
Accessibility Rating
Physical
Four out of five
Sensory
Five out of five
Location: Stroud Registration Office
Parliament Street
Stroud
GL5 1DY
Parking
There is a car park at the front of the registration office. There is an allocated car parking space and an allocated accessible space, however the rest of the car park is unmarked.
Entrance
The main entrance is to the right of the building and up a slight ramp with hand-rails on either side. The main entrance door is a lightweight, manual push door and is wide enough to fit any wheelchair size. There is then a short corridor that takes you through to the main waiting area. There isn’t a manned reception at Stroud Registration Office, however there is a large print sign on the table at the back of the room that outlines this. An office member will often be around to greet anybody who enters.
Waiting area
The waiting area is an L shape with seats against the walls. There is plenty of space either side of the seats for a wheelchair user to navigate comfortably and the chairs are easily moved to make space for a wheelchair user to wait if needed. There are leaflets and signs on the table which is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user to make use of if necessary.
IMAGE Disabled Parking Sign
IMAGE Signage in waiting room
IMAGE Table in waiting room
Interview room
Through the waiting room is a large interview room. This is very spacious and well lit, and a wheelchair user would be able to sit comfortably at the desk.
Ceremonies room
Through the interview room is the stunning ceremonies room. This is decorated in pale blue with beautiful flowers. The aisle is very wide and would comfortably allow a wheelchair to be passed or walked beside with ease. It holds up to 56 guests and the chairs are easily moveable so space can be made for wheelchair users.
There currently isn’t a hearing loop in the ceremonies room, however we were advised on our visit that this would be investigated.
Ceremonies waiting area
To the left of the ceremonies room is the ceremonies waiting area for guests of a wedding. The main entrance for this is from the car park. There is a step to enter this room which makes it inaccessible for a wheelchair to use this entrance. However, there is step free access via the ceremonies room. This is another beautiful room with plenty of space to manoeuvre around.
IMAGE Spacious interview room
IMAGE Ceremonies waiting room
Accessible toilet
The accessible toilet can be accessed via the right-hand exit from the ceremonies room and is also accessed via a wide hallway that extends the length of the building. The hallway is 1400mm wide and is therefore wide enough for a wheelchair user and another individual to pass each other with ease.
The doorway to the accessible toilet is 90mm wide which meets minimum requirements; however, the room measures 1500mm x 1770mm which is below minimum requirements and it would be difficult for both a wheelchair user and assistant to fit comfortably.
The toilet seat is 44cm from the ground which is 4cm lower than minimum requirements. The flush pedal is on the transfer side and is easy to use and there is a disposable bin in the toilet. The sink is at a lowered height for a wheelchair user or person of a smaller stature, and the tap has a large, easy to use handle to aid people with limited dexterity. There are is a handrail and dropdown rail next to the toilet and one horizontal handrail next to the sink. There isn’t a handrail on the wall next to the sink as there is a baby change unit there. There also isn’t a handrail on the door as it had been broken off.
There is a push button hand dryer however it is quite high on the wall and may not be suitable for a wheelchair user or person of smaller stature.
IMAGE Accessible toilet door
Offices
There are 2 main office spaces to the right as you enter the waiting room. These are not for public use, however, are both very spacious and would easily accommodate a wheelchair user who wishes to work there. We were advised that there isn’t currently any accessible options on the computer however should there be a need for it then this is certainly something that would be investigated and should not be an issue to download or purchase.
Ceremonies exit
There is a separate exit at the back of the building for the close of ceremonies. This is through the door on the right of the ceremonies room. There are 2 double doors which lead you to an attractive small conservatory area that is often used for pictures. Then there is step free access to a pathway around the side of the building that leads to the car park.
IMAGE Spacious hallway through entire building
IMAGE Flat exit from ceremonies room
Evacuation procedure
The registration office is all on the ground floor so there are no stairs to navigate apart from the one step to exit the ceremonies waiting room. A senior member of staff will always be made aware when there is somebody who needs assistance in the case of emergency and will ensure they receive any help they need. There are 2 step free exits from the building and one-stepped exit, should this be the only available exit then assistance will be sent immediately.
by Christian Drewitt | Accessible Parking, Attraction, Leisure, Quick Picks, Recommended Venues, Stroud
Stroud Valleys Artspace and The Goods Shed | 12th September 2019
Accessibility Rating
Physical
Four out of five
Sensory
Five out of five
Location: Stroud Valleys Artspace
4 John Street
Stroud
GL5 2HA
Parking
There is one accessible bay directly outside Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA) on John Street. If this space is in use, then the closest car park is at Stroud Station car park which is approximately 260 yards away. Parking is free for blue badge holders. It is quite hilly from the station and the paths are uneven, however there are traffic lights to the left when exiting the station that aid in a safe crossing for a disabled individual.
Entrance
Entrance to SVA is gained through a double gate which would remain open during events. You enter into a courtyard with outside seating and the main entrance is at the other end of the courtyard. The entrance door is manual and opens outwards. It may be quite heavy for a disabled individual to open on their own.
Gallery
To the right of the main gate, before walking through the courtyard is the gallery. This is an open plan space that is used to exhibit artwork. There is a flat entrance to the gallery and the floors and wall are a contrasting colour to aid the visually impaired.
IMAGE Gallery from inside
Bar and lounge
The bar and lounge are located on the left immediately as you walk in and is often used for events. The layout of the space is constantly changing due to the different events there and therefore never looks the same. Precautions are always taken to ensure there is space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre around the space and all the furniture can easily be moved if needed.
The bar is to the right on entry and there is a lowered bar area at the far end.
The tables are all at a suitable height for a wheelchair user to sit underneath comfortably.
Ground floor studio
To the right on entrance to the main building is a ground floor studio art space. This is used by artists in preparation for exhibitions. On our visit the space was full with artists work and there was not much space for manoeuvring, however we were informed that this is due to an upcoming exhibition and should there be an artist who a wheelchair user then special provisions would be made so that there was enough space around the room. Everything in the room is easily moveable and a wheelchair user would be welcomed to the space should they wish to use it.
Lift
The lift has easy to reach buttons which are lit up, making them easier to locate for the visually impaired. It is big enough to fit a wheelchair user and an assistant and there is a mirror on the back wall so a wheelchair user can see behind them when reversing out.
Upstairs workshops
There are workshops upstairs that are used by artists and are not a public space. These are accessible by the lift and there are workshops of differing sizes, most would be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair user should they require one. The entrances to each of the workshops are wide enough to fit a large wheelchair.
Accessible Toilet
There are two accessible toilets, one on the ground floor and one on the first floor. The toilets are the correct size to meet minimum requirements and have the amenities are at the correct height. On our visit the ground floor toilet had recently been damaged during an event, however we were informed that this was being addressed asap. For this reason, we mainly focused on the upstairs accessible toilet.
The toilet is the correct height from the ground for a wheelchair user to transfer with ease and there is an easy flush pedal on the right of the toilet as you face it, the same side as the transfer space.
The emergency pull cord is on the right and in front of the toilet from a seated position which is an ideal place and the rings were both the correct height from the ground.
The grab rails are all in suitable positions but are white which is the same colour as the walls, which may cause difficulty for the visually impaired to identify them. There is a disposable bin in the toilet and a paper towel dispenser.
IMAGE Upstairs accessible toilet
Evacuation Procedure
There are two fire exits, one at each end of the building and there are refuge points on each floor.
The Goods Shed
Location: The Goods Shed
Station Yard
Stroud
GL5 3AP
The Goods Shed is just past the train station and is a venue that holds a multitude of events. It is currently inaccessible for wheelchairs due to the step entry, however there are extensive plans to renovate the entrance so that it is accessible for all. We had an in-depth discussion with the managers of SVA and the Goods Shed and it is clear the accessibility is at the front of their minds for any future plans. The necessary changes are considerable and therefore will take time to complete, however we agreed to return once the Goods Shed was accessible and conduct another review.
IMAGE Outside The Goods Shed
IMAGE Inside The Goods Shed
by Christian Drewitt | Attraction, Gloucester, Leisure, Recommended Venues
Blackfriars | 10th July 2018
Location: Ladybellegate St, Gloucester, GL1 2HS
Date of visit: 10th July 2018
Parking
There are seven accessible bays located outside the Blackfriars, in the Lady Bellegate street car park which is a council owned car park, you can park here for free with a blue badge.
There is also an NCP car park which backs directly onto this car park, there are accessible parking bays in this car park however, there is no free parking with a blue badge, so you will need to pay for a ticket.
Accessibility
There is a small curb to gain access to the main entrance, they have a temporary ramp for this which would remain in place if there was an event on. This takes you through a stone archway and down a wide pathway. There are some benches to the right of the pathway on some grass. At the bottom of the pathway is another archway which leads through to a courtyard, here you can access the North, East and South range.
Image – Christian mounting ramp in wheelchair to main entrance
Image – Christian mounting ramp in wheelchair to main entrance, close up
Image – Christian driving wheelchair through single passage archway leading to a courtyard
Image – Christian driving wheelchair down entrance pathway
Image – Christian driving wheelchair towards North and East range
Turning left through the archway takes you down to the North range, this is an original priory church building and is used for events such as weddings and parties as well as theatre productions and music events. There is a small slope leading down to two sets of wide doors, these would be open during an event. There are two floors to the North range, the second floor is up 5 steps, both floors are all open plan and there is a platform lift available to the left of the stairs. All areas are accessible for wheelchair users.
Image – Additional entrance to North range, double doors
Image – Wide entrance leading to North range
Image – Second floor to North range, fully accessible large space
Image – Steps leading to second floor in North range
Heading out of the North range and turning left takes you to the East range where there are three floors. The first floor has a small room which can be used for meetings or signing of the registers for a wedding. There is a wooden ramp that has been built throughout the first floor which makes the accessibility very good. There is also another door in here via which can be accessed via the ramp, this leads to a garden and then through to the top floor of the north range. There is a piece of ramp leading down to a empty part of the building, there is not much to see down here and floor is very uneven so I would avoid going down here.
The second floor can be accessed via a platform lift, when exiting to the lift your first right takes you to a café/bar area with some small tables to sit at, these were suitable for a wheelchair, although a large wheelchair may find it difficult to find underneath. There is a fold out section of the bar which is slightly lower and an appropriate height for a wheelchair to order and pay for drinks. Next door along is access to the toilets, the disabled toilet is at the end of the corridor.
The third floor is also accessible via the lift, there is a smaller room here which can also be used for events, there is a flat entrance and is all accessible.
Image – Christian sitting underneath table in Cafe in wheelchair
Image – lowered section to bar
Lift
The two platform lifts in the North and East range are both easy to use, the buttons are at a low height. However, they do have manual doors so a wheelchair user or somebody with a visual impairment may need assistance to do this.
Image – Christian entering platform lift in North range
Image – platform lift in East wing with manual door
Image – Easy reach buttons in platform lift
Toilets
The accessible toilet is located on the second floor to the East range and requires access via the lift. It is very spacious, large enough to turn around in, as it is located at the end of a corridor it is easier to turn around in here rather than reversing down the corridor which is not wide enough to turn around in. The toilet is on the back wall to the left as you enter, and the emergency cord is in corner next to the toilet. There is an adjustable handrail and wall mounted hand rail to each side for left and right-side transfer. The sink, hand dryer and soap dispenser were all at a lowered height. The toilets were very clean.
Image – Disabled toilet with multiple handrails
Image – Low sink, hand dryer and soap dispenser in disabled toilet
by Christian Drewitt | Gloucester, Recommended Venues
15th September 2017
Accessibility
When arriving at Gloucester Park there is accessible parking located on Park Road which is a two minute walk from the park entrance. There is pay and display roadside parking and also double yellow lines which would have been suitable for my blue badge, however; there were no dropped kerbs so that I could safely access the pathway. St Michaels car park is also a 10 minute journey in a wheelchair however, there are uneven broken pathways which aren’t ideal for a wheelchair
There were a few entrances into the park which were even and easily accessible. The pathways around the park were fairly smooth for my wheelchair, there were a few gravelled areas but I was able to access most of the park.
There are lots of nice areas within the park including a play park for children, grassy picnic areas, monuments, flowerbeds, a bird enclosure, a ping pong table (own equipment required) and rugby posts. There is a small café within the grounds however, this wasn’t open when I visited the park and I wasn’t able to find out the opening times.
Toilets
There is an accessible toilet which requires a RADAR key. This is located next to the bird aviary. There is no sign outside the toilet to indicate that there is an accessible toilet and I missed it at first. I have since met with David Pritchett, the Open Spaces Strategy Officer for Gloucester Park. He advised me about the accessible toilet and informed me that they will have clearer signage in future.
The toilet was large enough for someone to assist a wheelchair user and all facilities including sink, hand dryer and toilet roll dispenser were at an appropriate height. The toilets were clean and hygienic.
David also advised me that he will also look into the parking issues within the surrounding area and speak to the relevant people to see if we can get this issue resolved by adding some accessible parking spaces and also dropped kerbs. Hopefully the Council and Gloucestershire Highways will look into these issues ASAP. I will update the site with any changes in the future.
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