Overview

I popped into the café as I arrived in Newcastle earlier than planned and had some time to kill before a meeting. I was pleasantly surprised to find the venue is one of the most consistently high-rated venues on Euan’s Guide in the Newcastle area. It also had a Changing Places toilet, which is a lifeline to so many.

Transport & Parking

I wheeled my way to the Life Science Centre after catching the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Newcastle Central Station. If you leave via the main exit onto Neville Street and turn left, you'll find the venue at the end of the street, a little over three minutes’ walk. If you're a local, the Metro/Underground also runs to Newcastle Central, with lift access to the station. The 12, 22 and 22X bus services also stop outside the station. For those driving, there is some on-street parking on Central Parkway, with plenty of standard spaces and two accessible parking spaces.Parking is free for Blue Badge holders. Please note that there is a slope down to the parking spaces.

Access

If coming via Neville Street, there is a slope down to the Life Centre. There are automatic sliding doors at the centre and the café, and plenty of room to manoeuvre the largest of mobility devices. I didn't go to see the exhibits as this was just a short stop for a warm drink, but I've enough information for an overview. At the café, there's a lowered counter, but I didn't see any signage to indicate a hearing loop. There's plenty of seating in the café, with wooden tables and chairs that can be moved. When I visited, there was a local community group in attendance with a large number of wheelchair users, and they were all accommodated. Between the café and the toilets, you'll find the gift shop and the reception desk. There is a hearing loop at this desk and knee space under the counter for those using manual wheelchairs. I did a little more research on the venue after I visited and learned that the Planetarium and Science Theatre both have induction loops. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the venue, and both the Planetarium and Science Theatre have wheelchair spaces. In the Making Studios, the tables are adjustable. If you're visiting with a dedicated assistant or carer, their admission is free – just remember to book a Carer ticket online in advance. It’s worth noting that, as an interactive science centre, some spaces have light or dark areas, moving images, patterns and loud sounds. For those who’d benefit from a quieter experience, there are Relaxed Sunday Sessions each month. Sensory bags are available to borrow from reception with a refundable deposit. Visitor numbers are capped too, which helps keep things from getting too overwhelming. Visual stories and sensory maps can be downloaded ahead of time from the Life Centre website, and you can request large-print versions of the shows either at reception or in the relevant spaces. Lastly, guide and assistance dogs are welcome!

Toilets

I'm advised that there are accessible toilets on each floor of the building, but I was only able to access the Changing Places toilet on the ground floor as I hadn't purchased a ticket. The door to the Changing Places toilet is on your right as you enter the toilet corridor. It opens outwards and doesn't require a RADAR key. The door is secured from the inside with a snib-style lock. Inside, there’s a height-adjustable changing bed and a ceiling track hoist, but no shower. The toilet pan has white grab rails on either side, which do not contrast with the white tiles. There is space to transfer on either side. The small sink has the same type of rails and a lever-style tap. It also has good knee clearance underneath. The space was tidy, but the toilet seat looked a bit tatty – probably due a replacement. There’s also a bin that’s slightly in the way when you’re heading to the sink, but otherwise, it’s a decent facility. There is a red cord at the toilet – on your right when seated – which was hanging to the floor. I also took the chance to add a Euan’s Guide Red Cord Card to the cord while I was there.

Staff

The staff were great! They were excited to hear about their listing on Euan’s Guide and how highly praised the venue is. They even offered me entry to the exhibits to see the access inside, but I didn't have time.

Photos