Accessibility
With assistance from Durham County Council, Leisureworks buildings have become increasingly accessible for people with a disability. In the management of these buildings and the running of development schemes, Leisureworks aspires to welcome, encourage and involve this target group in its many swim, sports, arts and play opportunities. To this end, Leisureworks embraces projects that improve quality of life for disability groups or for individuals looking for social and mental stimulation and/or physical improvement.
If your organisation would like access to any of our facilities, please call the relevant number or use the Contact Us form on the Home Page. If you would like to share a partnership approach to specific projects, in the first instance, please contact Leisure Marketing on (01207) 218530.
Empire Theatre, Front Street, Consett
The Empire offers excellent access for people with a disability, especially those that are wheelchair bound. The ground floor is ramped in the relevant places. We have space for 6 dedicated wheelchair users and their carers; attending free on production of a Cinema Exhibitors Association Card (CEA Card; please ask at the Box Office for further information or access the website http://www.ceacard.co.uk/). A disabled toilet is based in the foyer area of the venue. A hearing loop is also available in the main auditorium for patrons who have a hearing aid - a hearing loop unit must be requested from the Empire Box Office. Disabled parking is available at the front of the building for 3 vehicles with free parking but blue disability badges must be displayed in the window of the vehicle.
For more information contact the Box Office on (01207) 218171
Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley
Whether coming along to the Lamplight to attend an afternoon/evening of entertainment, access a meeting, or in response to a party invitation, the venue offers excellent access for people with a disability especially those that are wheelchair bound. The ground floor is ramped in the relevant places and a lift is available to allow ease of access to the 1st floor. Both floors have toilets that are fully accessible. A hearing loop is also available in the main hall as are a substantial number of places for wheelchairs and carers.
There are 12 dedicated disabled parking bays at the front of the building with free parking but as this area is monitored, blue disability badges must be displayed in the window of the vehicle.
For more information contact the Box Office on (01207) 218899
The Louisa Centre, Stanley
Having received a cash injection from the Sports Lottery Fund in 2004, which saw the addition of a new pool to the rear of the original dry centre, The Louisa Centre is now fully compliant with DDA.
The facility has: automatic entrance doors; a spacious reception area with low level counter service, a lift/wheelchair access to all 5 floors; dedicated toilet facilities serving all areas, and a comfortable accessible cafe/vending area. Running a number of dedicated disability activity sports sessions, the building also boasts a unique moveable floor integral to the small pool, enabling adjustment of the depth to take wheelchairs, and/or accommodate small tots and adults with varying degrees of disability.
For more information contact Reception on (01207) 218877
Belle Vue Leisure & Swim Centres, Ashdale Road, Consett
Equipped for customers with disabilities. There is a ramp at the front of the building, a dedicated changing room is available for customers and there is a hoist available for lowering into the swimming pools; showering facilities are available also.
For further information contact the venue (01207) 218161