A fascinating insight into the history of building and design
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: August 2017
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The building was a strange one to imagine and when you see it the name becomes so obvious. It was an engine shed which has been revived for its new purpose and extended. A great space with a warm welcome.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Once you have a sense of how the building is orientated it becomes easier to get in. The entrance is not on the roadside of the building but the rail side. Look for the large pedestrian bridge across the railway in the distance and head for the side of the building that faces that. Getting in was easy with large doors and plenty of space. Once in side you are in a large foyer / reception areas - an interestingly designed reception desk is to the right and whilst being a wee bit high for me as a powerchair user it wasn't an issue as staff came from behind the desk to speak to me. I took at look at the shop area and the coffee space as well as delving deeper into the building. The main exhibition display space was large, light and spacious with plenty to see and explore. I ventured off to visit the lecture theatre auditorium which was easy to get in to and sit in the front row for events. Come to that it was equally good as a visiting 'speaker' - the purpose of my visit.
Parking & Transport
Good
The venues parking arrangements weren't too clear from the website information but a quick call made it clearer. There are two accessible parking bays nearby.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
The accessible toilet was easy to find, well signposted and large and spacious. It had all the facilities I would expect to see and worked well for me.
Staff
Excellent
The staff made my visit. The warm welcome and the time spent explaining the building and it purpose was enough to make me decide to have a return visit to explore further!
Additional Information
I think the biggest learning from my visit was to get in touch before visiting if you have any concerns as the team were great at 'making things happen' ...
