Shude be better
3
3
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
Average
Shudehill Interchange is a transport hub from which you can catch a tram or bus to your destination. This location features a ticket office, information desk, café, toilets, and a bus station. The Metrolink is just outside and will get you to just about anywhere you need to go.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Barring the absence of a drop-off point, Shudehill Interchange is reasonably accessible. There are automatic sliding doors at the entrance and bus stands, with level and step-free access throughout. Plenty of seating is available throughout, including at the cafe, though it's quite small, so I didn't attempt to enter with my wheelchair. The signage is clear, but I didn't spot an induction loop or any alternative signage. The Megabus office is accessed via an automatic sliding door, but it's a single door, which may cause issues for larger mobility devices. The ticket office at the main entrance does not have a lowered section or visible induction loop signage.
Parking & Transport
Average
I didn't see any specific parking areas for the Interchange, but there is some on-street parking on nearby Dantzic Street. I didn't observe a drop-off point, so this might be the best option if you can manage the short distance. There are parking facilities at the Arndale Centre, which is also close, but I expect this would cost a fair amount. The tram stop and bus station offer alternate routes to this location.
Accessible Toilets
Poor
These toilets were exceptionally unpleasant to use. First is the location. There are turnstiles leading to the standard toilets, with the accessible toilet located on the rear wall. The positioning of the door in relation to the turnstile makes it difficult to manage while using a wheelchair or mobility device. After a lot of effort, I managed to get into the toilet, and the smell was overwhelming. Toilets tend to have a smell, but this was particularly bad. The toilet is on the rear wall, with space for a high-side transfer. There are contrasting grab rails on either side of the toilet, and the sink features a lever-style tap. Unfortunately, the emergency cord had been cut to the height of the second plastic bangle, which had also been snapped, making it difficult for anyone to reach in the event of a fall. It's clear that this facility is not well looked after. The door is opened with a RADAR key and locked from the inside by raising the handle, but I wouldn't use this toilet unless I absolutely had to. With some care and a wider access route, this facility could fare much better.
