Howick Leisure Centre
Accessible to visitors who:
- The main entrance and pathway offer step-free access to the venue.
- Ramps are available to navigate areas with steps and can be easily navigated by people using manual wheelchairs or walking frames.
- All ramps have secure handrails and non-slippery surfaces.
- The reception area is easy to navigate for visitors who use wheelchairs or mobility aids.
- However, some entrances, passageways, and doorways do not meet the minimum width of 0.81 metres, and some doors may not accommodate all wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- Some evacuation routes may be difficult for wheelchair users, though staff are available to provide assistance.
- The venue has more than one accessible bathroom stall, including one gender-neutral restroom located upstairs.
- Accessible restrooms are clearly labelled and include grabrails that are easily accessible from the toilet.
- Handwashing and paper towel drying facilities are within easy reach for a person using a wheelchair.
- Restroom doors can be opened, locked, and unlocked using one hand, and can be unlocked by staff in an emergency.
- The restroom interior is accessible to manual wheelchairs or powerchairs, meeting the minimum cubicle dimensions of 2 metres by 1.6 metres.
- However, the bathroom mirror is not at an appropriate height for a person who uses a wheelchair.
- Some downstairs restrooms, while accessible, may not meet specific physical accessibility requirements for all visitors.
- Three designated and clearly-marked mobility parking spaces are available onsite.
- These accessible parking spaces provide sufficient room for transferring to wheelchairs, powerchairs, or mobility scooters.
- The closest accessible parking space is located within 20 metres of the main entrance.
- The car park is well-lit at night.
- A safe footpath leads to the main entrance.
- Tactile ground surface indicators are present on the main entrance and stairs, and at the top of each set of stairs.
- Clear directions, signs, and maps are provided to guide visitors throughout the venue, including to emergency exits.
- However, tactile ground indicators are not available for all other spaces within the venue.
- Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are deaf or experience limited hearing, utilising clearly-displayed signs and graphics.
- Evacuation plans take into consideration individuals with deafness or limited hearing.
- All visitors can be notified quickly and clearly in the event of an emergency.
- However, if events or activities include video, closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not available.
- Information on whether emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings is not provided.
- Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are neurodiverse.
- The venue is able to adjust the temperature of all indoor spaces, offering controlled room temperatures.
- However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
- There is no designated breakout room or quiet space, and participants cannot easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
- All service animals are welcome on the premises.
- Service animals can enter all the same spaces in which their owners are welcome.
Venue accessibility summary
Howick Leisure Centre offers a partially accessible environment, featuring step-free main entry, dedicated mobility parking within 20 metres, and accessible ramps. While multiple accessible restrooms are available, some doorways may be narrow, and sensory support is limited. Staff are generally aware and can assist, though formal accessibility training is not yet in place.
Visitor experience
- The main entrance and pathway are accessible, offering step-free access to the venue.
- Three designated and clearly-marked mobility parking spaces are available onsite, located within 20 metres of the main entrance.
- Public transport, specifically bus services, can be used to reach the site, with the closest stop within 200 metres of the venue entrance.
- Designated drop-off and pick-up points or loading zones are available to ensure safe and convenient access.
- The car park is well-lit at night, and a safe footpath leads to the entrance.
- Activities are held in environments considered suitable for neurodiverse participants.
- The venue can adjust the temperature of all indoor spaces, allowing for controlled room temperatures.
- However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
- There is no designated breakout room or quiet space, and participants cannot easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
- The venue hosts events or activities that are suitable for participants who are deaf or experience limited hearing, utilising clearly-displayed signs or graphics.
- Activities are also suitable for neurodiverse participants.
- Staff can intervene quickly if audiovisual systems project sound or graphics that may induce seizures or be distressing to visitors.
- However, for events or activities that include video, closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not available.
- Staff members are aware of accessible features and services within the venue and are able to provide assistance when needed.
- Staff can assist guests who do not communicate verbally.
- While the venue welcomes all visitors, staff have not received formal workplace training on accessibility and inclusion.
- A feedback mechanism is in place for visitors to raise concerns or provide suggestions about accessibility.
Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Access
- The main entrance and pathway offer step-free access to the venue.
- Ramps are available to navigate areas with steps and can be easily navigated by people using manual wheelchairs or walking frames.
- All ramps have secure handrails and non-slippery surfaces.
- The reception area is easy to navigate for visitors who use wheelchairs or mobility aids.
- However, some entrances, passageways, and doorways do not meet the minimum width of 0.81 metres, and some doors may not accommodate all wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- Some evacuation routes may be difficult for wheelchair users, though staff are available to provide assistance.
Accessible Parking
- Three designated and clearly-marked mobility parking spaces are available onsite.
- These accessible parking spaces provide sufficient room for transferring to wheelchairs, powerchairs, or mobility scooters.
- The closest accessible parking space is located within 20 metres of the main entrance.
- The car park is well-lit at night.
Accessible Restrooms
- The venue has more than one accessible bathroom stall, including one gender-neutral restroom located upstairs.
- Accessible restrooms are clearly labelled and include grabrails that are easily accessible from the toilet.
- Handwashing and paper towel drying facilities are within easy reach for a person using a wheelchair.
- Restroom doors can be opened, locked, and unlocked using one hand, and can be unlocked by staff in an emergency.
- The restroom interior is accessible to manual wheelchairs or powerchairs, meeting the minimum cubicle dimensions of 2 metres by 1.6 metres.
- However, the bathroom mirror is not at an appropriate height for a person who uses a wheelchair.
- Some downstairs restrooms, while accessible, may not meet specific physical accessibility requirements for all visitors.
Blindness & Low Vision
- A safe footpath leads to the main entrance.
- Tactile ground surface indicators are present on the main entrance and stairs, and at the top of each set of stairs.
- Clear directions, signs, and maps are provided to guide visitors throughout the venue, including to emergency exits.
- However, tactile ground indicators are not available for all other spaces within the venue.
Deafness & Limited Hearing
- Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are deaf or experience limited hearing, utilising clearly-displayed signs and graphics.
- Evacuation plans take into consideration individuals with deafness or limited hearing.
- All visitors can be notified quickly and clearly in the event of an emergency.
- However, if events or activities include video, closed captions, subtitles, or Sign Language interpretation are not available.
- Information on whether emergency alert systems produce both audio and visual warnings is not provided.
Neurodiverse Support
- Activities are held in environments suitable for participants who are neurodiverse.
- The venue is able to adjust the temperature of all indoor spaces, offering controlled room temperatures.
- However, the venue does not offer a wide range of sensory experiences or stimuli for visitors with sensory modulation needs.
- There is no designated breakout room or quiet space, and participants cannot easily remove themselves from activities if they experience sensory overload or discomfort.
Service Animals
- All service animals are welcome on the premises.
- Service animals can enter all the same spaces in which their owners are welcome.