ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Sharpe’s Pottery Museum and Heritage Centre
Updated 14 February 2022

Situated in the heart of Swadlincote town centre, in the Cultural Quarter, Sharpe’s Pottery Museum and Heritage Centre is home to a fascinating and diverse range of sanitary ware, ceramics and stories of South Derbyshire industries. The museum is part of Sharpe’s Pottery Heritage and Arts Trust which runs the museum.

The museum is based on two floors with lift access from the ground floor to all levels. Our Visitor Experience volunteers are on hand throughout the museum to offer assistance too. We are an established member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme.

We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please phone 01283 222600 or email info@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk.

FIND THE DOOR

Head along West Street towards Sharpe’s Pottery Museum courtyard and enter through the large glass entrance.

BY CAR

We have dedicated spaces for up to 5 vehicles. The nearest off site car parks are Grove Street and Rink Drive, they are free all day. There are 2 clearly marked Blue Badge parking spaces available free of charge on-site off West Street, or on the roadside nearby.

BY BIKE

There are bicycle racks on West Street outside the post office, 5-minute walk away.

BY TRAIN

The nearest train station is Burton on Trent. Travel by taxi for 20 minutes or on the bus to Swadlincote Bus Station, visit the Travel Line to plan your route www.traveline.info

BY BUS

There are frequent and regular bus services into the town centre, operated by Midland Classic and Arriva. Swadlincote Bus Station is a 10-minute walk away.

For full details on how to get here please see our website: www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk/contact/ or telephone 01283 222600.

• Limited on-site parking facilities accessible via Alexandra Road through the Sharpe’s Industrial Estate.
• There are limited parking spaces for Blue Badge holders on West Street at the entrance to the museum courtyard.
• A drop off point outside the museum is available if booked in advance.
• All pavements surrounding the entrance are well paved and flat.
• The main entrance door is automatic door and opens to 1550mm/61 inches.

In order to support public safety post the pandemic, we have put in place appropriate adaptations to the Museum and building, which includes changes to the main exit. This is to allow for safe visitor flow and social distancing throughout the exhibits.

THE MAIN ENTRANCE IS ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED VIA THE MUSEUM SHOP

• The shop entrance is situated on the ground floor, with step free, level access throughout.
• The entrance, reception and shop are well lit with natural daylight and fluorescent lighting overhead.
• A magnifying glass and pad and paper are available from staff on request.
• Important information for wheelchair users:​ Safety of our visitors is our first priority and unfortunately due to the nature and design of this building, we can only safely evacuate two wheelchair users from the upper floors of the museum. Therefore, for safety reasons we can only accept two wheelchair users onto the upper floors of the building at any one time in order to guarantee your welfare in the event of an emergency.

If the group consists of more than two wheelchair users it will be necessary to split the group into at least two parties and do a staggered visit. While one party accesses the exhibits upstairs, the other group can view the exhibits downstairs.

• There is an interactive section in The National Forest zone which can be accessed from either a standing or sitting position.
• Interpretation boards are in large text.
• Most exhibits are held in glass cabinets and some may not be visible if the eye line is
• below 1 metre.
• Seating is available throughout the museum.
• Floor surfaces are mostly wood and vinyl throughout the museum.
• The lighting in the exhibits is generally bright and evenly lit with fluorescent lights and spots, however, some zones are dimly lit to aid an atmospheric experience.
• Audio and sound will play throughout zones 2, 3 and 5 incorporating social history, sounds of the past, and voices in the kiln.

• Unisex / Accessible public toilet is located on the ground floor
• Men’s and women’s toilets are available on the first floor which is accessible by a lift.
• The door is opened with a touch pad and is 810mm/32 inches wide.
• The toilet is 460mm/18 inches high.
• The transfer space is towards the right-hand side and is approximately 910mm/36 inches.
• There are three handrails behind the toilet, two vertical and one horizontal.
• Lights are motion activated in all toilets.
• Flooring is non-slip vinyl and of a cream colour to contrast with the brick walls.
• Emergency pull cord in accessible toilet, which has a flashing and audible alarm.

HAND SANITISERS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS TO USE THROUGHOUT THE MUSEUM

FACILITIES FOR CONTACTLESS PAYMENT AND DONATION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SHOP

The shop is located on the ground floor.

• It features a range of items including ceramics, jewellery, souvenirs, and homeware.
• The shop is accessed ​on the way out of the museum.
• Background music may be playing.

The shop includes some high-level shelving, however, volunteers are available to offer assistance if required.

The café is located on the ground floor of the museum and has level access throughout.

• Tables in the café are well spaced apart, with a clear height from the floor of 720mm/28ins, with upright chairs without arms.
• Lighting in all areas is natural daylight with overhead lighting used.
• The floor is cream safety vinyl.
• The entrance doors to the café are 1200mm/47” wide.
• The café does their best to cater for any dietary requirements; please contact us in advance to check any specific requests you may have.

Full details of our evacuation procedures can be obtained by contacting the museum. Evacuation chairs are available in the event of an emergency.

• All service dogs are welcome, water available.
• A fridge is available upon arrival for medications etc.

Address: West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9DG

Telephone: 01283 222600

Email: info@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk

Website: ​www.sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk

This service is run by South Derbyshire Community Volunteers Service.

Booking line South Derbyshire tel: 01283 219761 (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday). Book at least 48 hours in advance of travel.

Booking line southern Derbyshire Dales tel: 03333 444 125 (9.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday). Book at least 48 hours in advance of travel or email: office@sdcvs.org.uk (both areas).

If you need to use a wheelchair please mention this when booking.