Access Statement for Newbiggin Maritime Centre
This access statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with disabilities, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our guests/visitors. 
Introduction 
Situated on the seafront to the eastern side of the promenade of Newbiggin by the Sea is the Newbiggin Maritime Centre. The Maritime Centre hosts exhibitions exploring the three industries that have shaped the town dating back to the eleventh century including: fishing, tourism and coal mining. There are two large fixed exhibits, the last offshore lifeboat the Mary Joicey and a local fisherman’s coble, the Girl Anne. The Maritime Centre also features activities for all ages in the exhibition space and provides educational outreach services. The café and shop sell local produce and crafters goods alongside traditional seaside food and gift items. There is a vibrant and diverse community exhibition and events space with an active programme of exhibitions by local artists and groups. The Centre has a large function room overlooking the bay of Newbiggin for hire. More prestigious art exhibitions are also held in the function room.
We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01670 811951 or email: access@nmcentre.org.uk

Slope from the car park to the Maritime Centre

Pre-Arrival 
You can plan your journey by car or public transport using www.transportdirect.info; 
simply enter your postcode and ours, which is NE64 6DB to get directions. 
The nearest railway station is Morpeth, which is approximately a 20 minute car journey away. Taxis are available at the station. If you require an accessible taxi you can book this in advance, see contact information for details. 
There is a bus terminal a 2 minute walk away. Arriva services X20 Newbiggin – Ashington – Newcastle services, 1A Bylth – Ashington - Newbiggin and X35 Morpeth, Ashington bus services stop at this terminal. Not all Arriva buses are accessible. 
The Maritime Centre is built on the promenade and access is possible via a sloping walkway from the car-park to the rear of the building (Church Point) or along the promenade. The surface of both of the aforementioned access points should not cause difficulties for wheelchair users or pushchairs. 
Occasionally after very windy weather drifting sand may cause obstacles and though we will endeavour to clear sand as quickly as possible in collaboration with Northumberland County Council you can always call ahead and check. 
Car Parking and Arrival 
There is currently a large free car parking site adjacent to Newbiggin Maritime Centre with space for 123 vehicles. There are 3 Blue Badge Parking spaces. 
There is a ramp to the Maritime Centre. Once inside the flooring is level and either carpeted or lino floor coverings.

Steps from the car park to the Maritime Centre

Main Entrance and Reception Area 
The main entrance is situated with step free, level access, throughout. The reception desk is located 5m to the right of the main entrance, through a further set of double automatic opening doors. 
The area is evenly and well lit with overhead lighting from spot lights. 
There is a lowered section of the welcome desk. 
The Maritime Centre does not currently offer audio tours or have interactive screens available. We have large display boards telling the history of Newbiggin by the Sea in appropriate font size interspersed with a variety of images, running the length of the gallery areas. The gallery has good, bright lighting. There is background noise in both the Community gallery areas and the Mary Joicey Hall arising from two films that are on constant display. 
To the rear of the building in the Mary Joicey Hall there is a first floor viewing platform of the Mary Joicey lifeboat and an external viewing area to St Bartholomew’s Church. We have a lift to these areas and access is also possible via 13 steps.

Main entrance and reception area.

Shop and cafe
The Maritime Centre has a centrally located shop with a range of craft items, pictures and giftware for sale, which can be accessed directly from the main entrance and when exiting the exhibition areas. 
The Maritime Centre has a day time café. 
The shop and café areas are level throughout, but may present some difficulties when maneouvering larger wheelchairs and turning. Staff and volunteers can offer assistance if required. 
External of the café there is a small outside seating area. Though this area is accessible via the main entrance and through the large doors at the bottom of the café area, this is a raised area with three steps bordering the platform. Exit via this route is inaccessible for wheelchair and pushchair users. Please be advised to use the main entrance and café doors that open to this area as both entrance and exit. 
There are tall display racks and low units accessible from a seated position.

Lift and steps to Mary Joicey viewing platform.

Toilet facilities 
The adapted toilet is for the use of disabled people and it is 12.5m from the accessible entrance, in the middle of the Maritime Centre. This is a unisex toilet and a key is not required to access it. The toilet door opens outwards and it is locked by a twist lock. 
The dimensions of the adapted toilet are 220cm x 146cm and there is a lateral transfer space. As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right. The lateral transfer space is 120cm. The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 5in). There is a toilet roll holder which is not placed higher than 100cm. 
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides. 
There is a sink which is not placed higher than 74cm and the tap type is lever and there is a functional emergency alarm available. Paper towels are available, as are disposal facilities within the toilet.

Disabled Toilet Facilities