Overview

Chapelfield is my go-to location for a shopping trip. The facilities are lovely and accessible, and they also hold quiet hours for people with autism and other sensory processing issues. Every shop has step free access, and the dining terrace is completely open plan. There's lift access throughout, and plenty of accessible toilets as well as a Changing Places facility

Transport & Parking

Ample blue badge parking spots are available on site, as well as parking spaces for those who may not have a blue badge. Shopmobility facilities are located in the car park in short distance from the lifts, and can be easily accessed by automatic doors. Multiple sets of lifts are available on every floor of the car park, leading directly up into the shopping centre or into House of Fraser

Access

Clear signage is available all through the centre, with directions to all facilities including accessible toilets. There are multiple lifts throughout the centre, which are spacious enough to be able to turn in a mobility aid as well as have someone with you. All shops and facilities have step free access, although some individual shops and restaurants are sometimes not as accessible, for example shop aisles being too close together. The main centre itself is very spacious, with smooth, mostly flat flooring throughout. There are automatic doors for both street entrances and exits as well as manual doors

Toilets

Both RADAR and regular accessible toilets are available on the lower floor. On the dining terrace, there are both accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities. The RADAR toilets are always very clean and tidy, with plenty of space for a wheelchair or other large aid and a carer. There are grab rails, including a fold-down rail by the side of the toilet

Staff

All staff I have encountered throughout the centre have been helpful when I have needed assistance, both in shops/facilities and outside of them. Centre staff are on hand to help, either scattered about the facilities or at the information desk