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Description

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Overall accessibility

There is level access to reception and to the lifts.

There were no active hearing enhancement systems in operation.

Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided.

There are no specific dog spending areas at the hotel.

Parking

The hotel does not have its own parking and there are no on street accessible parking bays close by.

There is a drop off point with dropped kerbs in front of the entrance.

There are bollards with a poor contrast located on the dropped kerb.

Car parking nearby

The nearest public car parks are Arena Central car park, which is approximately 75m (a maximum 50m is considered reasonable for blue badge holders) from the venue and includes considerable gradients on the route.

There is blue badge parking located in the car park, access to the hotel frontage is via a set of stairs.

Approach

The approach from the city centre along the pavement is reasonably level and in good condition.

Entrance

The entrance is not easy to identify.

The entrance is level and the venue is accessed via an automatic door with a good clear width located to the left of the revolving door and there is a good-sized lobby with suitable weather matting.

Reception

The main reception is located to the left as you enter.

There is clear space in front of the reception and the desk is approximately 1160mm high with no lowered section.

There is no hearing assistance system on the desk.

The hard tiled flooring in the reception area is reflective and may cause disorientating glare for some people with visual impairments.

There is a seating area near the reception desk with soft seating, low stools and coffee tables.

Horizontal circulation

The route to the lifts is clear and is level across a wide lobby area. There are no doors to negotiate.

Vertical circulation

The lift serves all floors.

The lift lobby has adequate manoeuvre space for wheelchair users and the lift call button is at the correct height.

The lift is a reasonable size and has handrails, a mirror and audible announcement.

Tactile and braille markings are available.

Item

Description

Photo

Overall accessibility

There is level access to reception and to the lifts.

There were no hearing enhancement systems in operation.

Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided.

There are no specific dog spending areas at the hotel.

Parking

The hotel has a limited amount of underground parking spaces.

There is no lift access and no blue badge bays.

There is a drop off point level with the approach to the entrance.

There are square low level bollards located between the drop off and entrance.

Car parking nearby

The nearest public car parks are Q-Park Brindleyplace, which is approximately 75m from the venue (a maximum 50m is considered reasonable for Blue Badge holders) and includes slopes on the route. There is blue badge parking located in the car park.

Approach

The approach along the pavement is on a slight slope and in good condition.

Entrance

The entrance is not easy to identify.

The entrance is level and the venue is accessed via an automatic door with a good clear width located to the left of the revolving door and there is a good-sized lobby with suitable weather matting.

Reception

The main reception is located to the left as you enter.

There is clear space in front of the reception and the desk is approximately 1160mm high.

There is no hearing assistance system on the desk.

The hard tiled flooring in the reception area is reflective and may cause disorientating glare for some people with visual impairments.

There is a seating area near the reception desk with soft seating, low stools and coffee tables.

Horizontal circulation

The route to the lifts is clear and is level across a wide lobby area. There are no doors to negotiate.

Vertical circulation

The lift serves all floors.

The lift lobby has adequate manoeuvring space for wheelchair users and the lift call button is at the correct height.

The lift is a reasonable size and has handrails, a mirror and audible announcement.

Tactile and braille markings are available.

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Description

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Overall accessibility

The external area of the hotel around the entrance is not very accessible due to the lack of a dropped kerb next to the drop off point.

Inside, the venue is generally very accessible with level horizontal access throughout with a compliant ramped access to the Sonata room.

There is a not designated dog spending area.

Parking

There is limited parking available for the Hyatt Hotel and no blue badge bays.

A drop off point is located in front of the main entrance.

There is no dropped kerb between the drop off point and entrance, but the hotel does have a portable ramp for this level change.

Car parking nearby

The nearest public car parks are Arena Central car park, which is approximately 250m from the venue and includes considerable gradients on the route.

Approach

The pavement to the right of the venue is wide, level and in good condition.

Entrance

The entrance is not easy to identify.

The entrance is level and the venue is accessed via 2 sets of manual heavy doors with a good clear width and there is a good-sized lobby with suitable weather matting.

Between the manual doors is a set of revolving doors.

There is no obvious signage in the entrance lobby.

Reception

The reception is close to the entrance, located to the right as you enter.

There is clear space in front of the desk and is approximately 1050mm high.

There is no hearing assistance system on the desk.

There is a tiled surface in front of the reception, which is reflective and may cause disorientating glare for some people with visual impairments.

There is a seating area in front of the desk with a variety of seating and space for wheelchair users.

Horizontal circulation

There is step free access throughout the venue.

Visual contrast is generally good throughout the venue, with good lighting.

There is mixed flooring with short pile carpet and hard tiled flooring, with the latter being quite reflective, potentially causing a disorientating glare for some people with visual impairments.

Horizontal circulation - main lobby to Sonata room

There is a ramp for all users linking the main entrance lobby to the Sonata room.

The flooring is a contrasting colour carpet and the ramp should be useable by most people.

A handrail is located on the right as you go up.

Horizontal circulation - first floor

There is a patterned carpet in front of reception with a zigzag design, which could be confusing for people with visual impairments or who are neurodiverse.

Vertical circulation - from main lobby lifts

The lifts are located past the reception and to the right and there is clear circulation space in front of them.

The call button is at 900mm high.

The lifts go to all floors and have tactile and pictogram controls, visual display and an audible announcement.

They should be suitable for all users.

Vertical circulation - from main lobby stairs

The stairs are located at the top of the ramp from the ground floor lobby.

They are reasonably well designed with treads of approximately 290mm and risers of approximately 175mm although without highlighted nosings.

There is a continuous timber handrail at 40mm from the pitch of the stairs which may not allow full grip but should nevertheless be useable by most people.

Accessible WCs - ground and first floors

The wheelchair accessible WCs are within separate sex WC accommodation.

Both gents and ladies are accessed via an outer lobby door with a clear width of approximately 750mm and an inner lobby door also with approximately 750mm clear width.

The doors to the compartments open outwards and have a clear width of 750mm.

There are no horizontal door pulls to the inside of the door, but the locking door handle may serve as a grip.

Accessible WCs - ground and first floors

The compartment is approximately 1450mm x 1430mm and is right-hand transfer.

There is reasonable colour contrast with the rear wall.

The compartment has the correct configuration of grab rails, however the paper towel dispenser is not in reach and the tap too far away from the WC to permit a person to wash and dry their hands whilst seated.

There should be no lid on the WC seat, as this will interfere with the use of the back pad.

A very similar facility is located in the ladies standard toilet and those toilets on the first floor.

WCs - standard toilets

Separate sex accommodation includes standard cubicles without grab rails for ambulant disabled use.

There is reasonable colour contrast and taps are twist operated, which may be problematic for people with poor manual dexterity.

A baby change facility is located in each of the male and female standard toilets.

Conference rooms

There are 12 conference rooms, with 11 of these located on the first floor.

There is a patterned carpet in the rooms with a zigzag or block design, which could be confusing for people with visual impairments or who are neurodiverse.

The layouts in individual rooms can be set up or altered to ensure easy passage for wheelchair users, or for those with mobility or sight problems.

As a general rule when wheelchair users have to pass between seated tables to both sides, the tables should be a minimum 2050mm apart, or when seated to one side only, a space of 1550mm is required.

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Description

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Overall accessibility

The venue is generally very accessible, with level horizontal access throughout. The lifts should accommodate all users.

Hearing assistance is provided at the Box Office and in the main auditorium.

There is a designated dog spending area and assistance dogs can be provided with water.

Lowered tables, lecterns and portable ramps and hearing loops can be provided on request.

Parking

Blue Badge parking is available via prior arrangement at the side of the ICC.

The parking is located off NC5, through two automatic gates signed Bay B. This gives step free access to Level 3 of the ICC. There are 9 bays at this location.

Approach

The pedestrian entrance outside the venue main entrance is open, on a slight gradient and in good condition.

Main entrance

There are two sets of double automatic doors located at the main entrance that are not easily defined from the surrounding glazing. The doors have a total clear width of approximately 1640mm.

There are two sets of single leaf automatic doors located to the right of the entrance area that are used during inclement weather.

During events, staff are located at the entrance to provide assistance.

Brindleyplace level 2 entrance

The Brindleyplace entrance is located in an area that is only accessed by steps.

Step free access from the Brindleyplace side of the canal is via lifts in The Park and then a bridge which leads to the level 3 entrance of the venue.

Brindleyplace level 3 entrance

There are two sets of double doors at this entrance. The doors have a total clear width of approximately 820mm. The set on the left is manual and those on the right are automatic and open towards you.

There is an intercom which is approximately 820mm high.

During events, staff are located at the entrance to provide assistance.

Drop-off point

There are two sets of double automatic doors located next to the drop-off point that are not easily defined from the surrounding glazing.

The doors have a total clear width of approximately 1640mm.

During events, staff are located at the entrance to provide assistance.

Signage

Pictorial signage is consistent throughout the venue.

It is likely there will be further specific signage at the event.

Ramp and step access (main entrance)

There is a ramp and steps at the main entrance. It is approximately 1:11 over 5m, which is steeper and longer than currently recommended but is likely to be the best that could be achieved. It has handrails at approximately 940mm high.

The flooring does not have contrasting colour surface.

There are three well marked steps on either side of the ramp with handrails.

Ramp and step access (level 2)

There is level or step free access from level 3 upwards, which includes all conference areas.

Visual contrast is generally good throughout the venue. Lighting is good throughout the venue.

There is mixed flooring with short pile carpet and hard tiled flooring, with the latter being reflective, which may cause a disorientating glare for some people with visual impairments.

The level two public thoroughfare between the main entrance and Brindleyplace has stepped level changes.

Ramp and step access (level 3)

There is level or step free access from level 3 upwards, which includes all conference areas.

Visual contrast is generally good throughout the venue. Lighting is varied throughout the venue, with some areas of low lighting.

The flooring is short pile carpet.

There are structural columns located on some walkways that have a good contrast with the flooring. There is a slight slope on the walkway between the level 3 entrance and the main lift.

Ramp and step access (link ramp)

There is a ramp for all users linking both wings of the venue. It is approximately 1:12 over 27m (this is longer than recommended for a 1:12 gradient but may be the best that could be achieved) and has handrails on both sides.

The flooring does not have contrasting colour surface.

Central lifts

The central lifts are located at the rear of the main lobby and there is clear circulation space in front of them.

The call button is approximately 1020mm high.

The lifts go to all floors and have tactile and braille controls, a visual display and an audible announcer. They should be suitable for all users.

North lifts

The north lifts are easy to find and there is clear circulation space in front of them.

The call button is approximately 970mm high.

The lift on the level 3 entrance side of the venue does not give access to level 3. They should be suitable for all users.

Those entering from that entrance are directed to the glass lift. A glass lift may not be suitable for some people with sight impairments or those that are neurodiverse.

Platform lifts

Platform lifts are located outside of halls 3, 11 and the media suite to overcome steps, giving step free access to the conferencing areas.

The call buttons are approximately 980mm high.

The media suite platform lift does not have manoeuvring space directly in front of the lift doors, which may be problematic for some disabled people.

Staircases

Staircases are reasonably well designed, with treads of approximately 290mm and risers of approximately 150mm.

There is a continuous metallic handrail at 910mm from the pitch of the stairs, which may not allow full grip but should nevertheless be useable by most people.

The staircases around the venue generally follow this type, with some slight variations. The nosings of the steps do not contrast well visually to allow visually impaired people to recognise the edges of the steps

Escalators

Escalators give access from level 2 to level 3.

Toilets

Standard toilets across the venue contain similar fixtures but were locked at the time of survey and so were not checked in detail.

The wheelchair-accessible WCs are located adjacent to the halls on all levels, off the first floor lift lobby.

The facilities are of varying dimensions and have different fixtures.

None of the accessible toilets had the required manoeuvring space and some lacked handrails in the correct configuration.

The doors are quite heavy to operate. Bins are also located in some of the transfer spaces.

Exhibition hall

The registration foyer and exhibition hall is located to the right as you exit the glass lift on level 3.

The hall can be accessed via double, heavy, manual doors.

A fixed hearing loop is located in the hall.

A platform lift is located at the back of house to give access to the stage.

Conference style chairs without armrests are the only chairs available.

Halls 6, 7,8 and 10

Halls 6, 7, 8 and 10 can be partitioned in to 'a' and 'b' areas.

They are accessed via double, manual doors that open towards you and have a clear width of approximately 1500mm.

There are fixed hearing loops located within the halls and a portable loop on request.

Low height lecterns and tables are available on request.

Where halls have low level stages, ramps are available.

Conference style chairs without armrests are the only chairs available.

Main auditorium

There is level access to the main auditorium.

Access is via double doors which can be held open.

Wheelchair spaces are located on row Q and are accessed via level 4 through double doors.

There is a slight slope after the doors on either side of the auditorium.

There is a hearing loop in the main auditorium.

A platform lift is located at the back of house to give access to the stage.

Item

Description

Photo

Overall accessibility

There is level access to reception, to the lift and to the accommodation.

There are no hearing enhancement systems at reception.

Assistance dogs are welcome and water can be provided.

There are no dog spending areas at the hotel.

Parking

The hotel has a small multi level car park located off Berkley Street and two blue badge bays located next to the car park entrance.

Approach

The approach along the pavement is level and in good condition.

There is a sign identifying the hotel, although this may not be visible from a distance or immediately obvious to people with visual impairments or who are neurodiverse.

Main entrance

The entrance is beneath the hotel sign.

The entrance has ramp and step access and is via a set of revolving doors, or two sets of single, manual, heavy doors on either side, both with a good 920mm clear width.

There is a good-sized lobby with suitable weather matting.

Car park entrance

The entrance has steep ramp access and is via a set of automatic double doors that open towards you with a total clear width of approximately 1560mm.

There is a good-sized lobby with suitable weather matting.

Reception and lobby

A greeting reception is located to the right as you enter and the main reception is located ahead and to the left.

There is clear space in front of the reception and the desk is approximately 1050mm high with no lowered section.

There is no hearing assistance system on the desk.

The laminate flooring in the reception area is reflective and may cause disorientating glare for some people with visual impairments.

There is a seating area near the reception desk with soft seating, low stools and coffee tables.

Horizontal circulation

The entrance level is on the ground floor of a total of 18 floors in the hotel.

The lift is just a few metres from reception, although there is no signage.

There are doors between the reception and lift and on the accommodation corridors, these doors are permanently held open.

The floor is level throughout and the route is wide.

The door leading to the accommodation has a good clear width.

There are patterned carpets in the corridors with a zigzag design, which could be confusing for people with visual impairments or who are neurodiverse.

Vertical circulation - main lift

The lift serves all floors.

The lift lobby has adequate manoeuvring space for wheelchair users, although the lift call button is at an unsuitably high height.

The lift is a reasonable size and has handrails, a mirror and audible announcement.

Tactile and braille markings are available.