National Squash Centre & Regional Arena
3.5
3.5
Date of visit: October 2024
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
National Squash Centre & Regional Arena is a sports complex on the Etihad Campus, located part-way between the CO-OP Live and Manchester City FC's home ground. The arena was built as part of the 2002 Commonwealth Games and features seven squash courts, including a glass show court and Manchester’s only interactive squash wall. There’s a 200m indoor track, a 400m ten-lane outdoor track, and full athletics facilities. The outdoor arena seats up to 6,000. People also visit to play basketball, rugby and football.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
There's ramp access down to the venue, automatic doors at the entrance and level access throughout which makes the location easy to navigate. I didn't identify any distinct signage, but was able to find my way around. I didn't notice an induction loop or the use of braille at this location. There are seats in the hallway, just outside of the running track where you'll also find a small cafe.
Parking & Transport
Good
The venue has 55 parking spaces, 5 of which are accessible and can be reached by tram and rail via the Etihad Line. The location is also serviced by the 19 and 231 bus services.
Accessible Toilets
Good
The venue has two accessible toilets, one on the right as you enter the venue and another on the other side of the running track. I only managed to access the first one. The accessible toilet is small but has enough room to manoeuvre a powerchair. The toilet is on the left wall and has grab rails on both sides. There is space for a right-side transfer but a multitude of bins in the space makes transfer difficult. There's a low, small sink with a lever-style tap and grab rails on one side. The toilet also features a colostomy shelf, which is so often overlooked. The red cord hung to the floor and was not obstructed. The door opens outwards and doesn't require a key. There’s also a baby change in this toilet.
Staff
Good
The venue staff were pleasant, as were the cafeteria staff, who offered to bring my drink to me when they noticed my wheelchair.
