We have been following up concerns from residents who have mobility problems or other form of disability about facilities in the Westgate Centre and received the following information.
On the seating – we are constantly monitoring whether there is enough – there is a balance between comfortable space for moving around in and amount of seating. We have flexible seating made of moveable modules – sometimes there is some in storage if there are other things going on in the streets – sometimes we move it to where we receive feedback on where people would like to see it.
The number of lifts will not change now for obvious reasons– but we have been experiencing some difficulties in getting some of the lifts commissioned and operating smoothly since opening so we are working hard with the engineers to resolve this. Access consultants were involved in the number and position of lifts throughout the design development. There are lifts to all levels off Leiden Square at the very southern end, and off Middle Square where the centre becomes multi-level. There are also customer lift within the JLP store.
The Changing Places facility was accommodated exactly adjacent to the entrances to the customer toilets and now has a bin.
There are further customer toilets at the ground floor level through Westgate Social – including a disabled toilet. Signs have now been added to the glazing of Westgate Social.
Disabled parking is not free at the Westgate car park – charges are the same for all users.
