Overview

Overall, the shopping centre is disabled friendly with easy access.

Transport & Parking

The shopping centre has its own parking facilities which is the John Lewis car park. There are 107 Blue Badge parking bays available which are clearly marked across the different levels of the car park. There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the shopping centre. The nearest train station is Leicester, which is a ten-minute walk away from the shopping centre, however there are also frequent buses to and from the station.

Access

The centre has wheelchair friendly ramps, lifts and automatic doors, as well as braille readers and large print guides. There is free use of both manual and powered wheelchairs offered for the period of your duration at the shopping centre. Mobility scooters are also available. This equipment does not have to be booked in advance.

Toilets

There are several disabled toilets throughout the shopping centre, that offer ‘changing places’, this provides additional space and facilities, such as a changing table. The toilets can be easily accessed from the main shopping centre, and the other is on the ground floor. One main criticism in terms of the toilets is that for them to be accessed you have to have a key, which has to be obtained by the Customer Services Lounge or by a contact number which is on the door. This is not practical and could appear confusing for someone who is blind or cannot read. Additionally, if someone is in desperate need of the toilet this is not appropriate and could result in an accident. Another drawback is the toilet doors are quite heavy. In addition to this there is a mirror, however it is not placed at a lower level or at an angle of ease to use.

Staff

Staff members can be found in the Customer Services Lounge, in terms of any queries customers may have regarding disabled access. Staff receive disability and deaf awareness training