Access Statement for Fireground Museum
Introduction
Fireground Museum is fully committed to offering all sections of the community the widest possible access to our collections and resources. Our building, facilities and exhibition are all designed with this in mind, whilst our friendly, versatile and experienced volunteer staff are all fully committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of visitors of all abilities. The Museum is a proud member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme (VAQAS).
We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any queries or require any assistance please telephone us on 01706 341219 or email
Location
The Museum is located in a restored 1933 former fire station building, a short distance from Rochdale town centre, Greater Manchester. Despite its age, the building has recently (2021) been fully refurbished to provide up-to-date visitor facilities and comfort whilst retaining most of its original features.
Pre-Arrival
The Museum is situated very close to Rochdale main line railway station (Station Road, 150m), and directly opposite the “Rochdale Railway Station” Metrolink tram stop on Maclure Road (trams from Manchester via Oldham). Frequent buses from Oldham, Bury and Manchester also pass close by (nearest stop Station Road, 150m).
Surrounding streets are level, but the route from the town centre is up a steep hill (Drake Street). If driving, please follow the one-way road system in the streets around the Museum and beware of trams.
Car Parking and Arrival
The main entrance (pedestrians only) faces onto Maclure Road, with a secondary entrance at the rear of the site in Richard Street. The Maclure Road entrance is the closest to trains, trams and buses.
Visitors arriving on foot may use either the Maclure Road or Richard Street entrances. Drop-off at the main entrance is possible but there is no parking allowed on this part of the street.
Visitors arriving by car, taxi or coach should use the Richard Street gate which gives direct access to the onsite free car park and secondary entrance. Please be aware of other vehicles entering, leaving or manoeuvring on the yard, also nearby residential property and possible children playing outside the rear gate.
Postcodes are OL11 1DN (for Maclure Road entrance) and OL11 1DU (for Richard Street entrance).
Further entrance to the Museum is possible through the adjoining Museum café, with separate front entrance on Maclure Road and alternative ingress from the Museum car park through the secondary entrance.
Free onsite parking for visitors is provided, with space for around 40 cars including two nominated Blue Badge parking spaces immediately outside the secondary entrance to the Museum building.
However, on certain special event days Blue Badge parking only is permitted; other visitors can park for free on the nearby Central Retail Park (vehicle access via Oldham Road) with a short pedestrian route to our Richard Street entrance.
Coach parking is permissible when space permits, pre-booking is advisable.
The yard is concrete/asphalt and level. External lighting is provided but the Museum closes at 4pm.
Both main and secondary entrances to the Museum building have level access via automatic doors.
Visitors entering from all three directions will arrive at the main reception desk on the ground floor. If using either the secondary entrance or the entrance through the café. Visitors will negotiate a slight ramp downwards towards the desk.
A hearing loop is available at the desk.
Inside the Museum
The main Museum exhibition area is all at ground-floor level and of open plan design. There is good access to most areas for users of varying mobility, including wheelchairs and baby buggies etc.
Natural lighting is good, with glass-panelled doors and roof panels. Artificial lighting comprises mainly of overhead spotlights.
The floor surface comprises the original tiled or smooth concrete finishes, non-slip and with no trip hazards.
The displays include large and small vehicles, and items of firefighting equipment, at various locations, together with other items in display cases or on display stands.
Interpretation panels, comprising of clear text and images, are provided around the Museum at consistent height. At this time there are no Braille translations or audio guides.
Access to the former hose tower area (separate room) is through a wide doorway with hold-open double doors and level access.
The “Victorian Street” and “Blitz” tableau sections of the Museum include a small length of pavement, complete with cast iron edgings and items of street furniture, such as fire hydrants in their natural setting. Lighting levels in this area are considerably reduced to create authenticity and sound effects are installed.
A number of interactive displays are provided including control room and driving simulators, both wheelchair accessible.
The children's play area includes dressing-up corner, a sliding pole with soft-play surround and sit-in toy fire engines.
Toilets
Male, female and fully-compliant accessible toilets are provided on the ground floor close to the secondary entrance, with a further accessible toilet inside the café.
Baby-change facilities are provided in the toilet area.
Catering
The Museum cafe (adjacent to main entrance) is available during museum opening hours for drinks, sandwiches, hot and cold snacks and ice cream etc. Seating is available for approximately 24 patrons with additional tables provided in an outside seating area accessible from the cafe through a level doorway.
Eating and drinking is not permitted inside the Museum exhibition areas.
Shop
A self-service shop is situated in the main reception area, selling books, models, toys and other relevant souvenirs. Whilst this is approachable by wheelchairs etc., staff are always on hand to assist customers.
Library and Archive
A library and research facility is provided for use by prior appointment. This is located at ground floor level, with access via a slight ramp.
Education Suite
This is located on the first floor, with access via stairs or lift. Moveable seating and tables for up to 50 students is available, as well as full AV facilities, hearing loop, wash-hands and brew area, water cooler and dedicated toilets.
Outside facilities
A small garden/external seating area is provided on one side of the car park. This is accessible up a slight ramp (width 48ins/1200mm), with overhanging roof eaves to be aware of. Fixed wooden benches are provided on two sides. The ground surface is riven stone flags.
Additional Information
The Museum is of modest size, with friendly and experienced volunteer staff, mostly former firefighters, who are able to explain all the displays and exhibits, as well as deal with any situation or problem which may occur. Trained first-aiders and a defibrillator are available and all staff will personally ensure the safety of visitors in case of emergency.
Should any aspect of our service fall short of expectations, particularly for visitors with greater accessibility requirements, we will be pleased to hear of this at the time, with a view to providing a satisfactory resolution.
Opening Hours
Thursdays-Saturdays, 10am to 4pm (advisable last entry 3pm) with occasional special events on other days.
Contact Information
Address: Fireground
Maclure Road
Rochdale
OL11 1DN
Telephone: 01706 341219 (with voicemail)
Email:
Website: www.fireground.org.uk
This Access Statement summarises the practical arrangements for visitors. Our full Access Policy sets out the Museum’s commitment to accessibility in detail.
