Overview

For wheelchair users, the Victoria Shopping Center in Harrogate is very accommodating however from the first sight there are two escalators which wheelchair users would find hard to use. They do have lift access to all floors of the shopping center but depending on which entrance you may go to, you may find it hard to locate as there are no signs for the lifts. The shops are ground level inside, with the exception of WHSmiths which can be accessed ground level outside, but they do have a wheelchair access lift for those wanting to access the shop from the inside. There is a slight decline in ground level within the center which could be difficult to maneuver if wheelchair is not electronic. For those who have other requirements, this shopping center is generally quite busy and noisy. It is also quite large with many shops. It is easy to navigate around as there are signs to tell you which shops are on which floor.

Transport & Parking

There is a lot of parking available however this is difficult to navigate as the shopping center parking is not directly linked, it is the other side of the railway station and you would have to use the lift within the car park to take you to the floor that has the over road bridge to the shopping center. There is a car park opposite the shopping center on ground level with disabled parking spaces however the car park is small and busy and therefore difficult to park some times. There is a bus station and railway station opposite the shopping center and they both have disabled access and accommodate for wheelchair users.

Access

Disabled access into the shopping center is good as it can be accessed from ground level, it also has lifts to transport those to the shops on the other grounds. There are signs to tell you which shops are on which level, there are no hearing or induction loops, there is also no option for sign language or braille access from what I have experienced.

Toilets

There are toilets on the second level which are sign posted including disabled access, there are also toilets on ground level however these can only be accessed outside, on the side of the shopping center. There are grab rails within the disabled access toilets and they are spacious however they do not include advanced technology such as hoists.

Staff

The staff are very friendly and will accommodate those who require assistance.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

I would visit again however it could be more inclusive for those who require BSL, Braille or hearing loops.