Services
Code of Conduct
We are committed to making your visit as welcoming as possible and providing you with an enjoyable and safe environment. With that in mind, we have a few simple rules that we hope will ensure that everyone who shops with us has a great experience.
For your safety and security, the Galleries employs a number of security measures, many of these are visible but, some are covert. Please keep an eye on any children in your care.
Free Wifi
Stay connected with free Wi-Fi!
You can now browse online for free whilst browsing around the shops, with our Wi-Fi Service.
So whatever you’d normally do online: catch up on the news, play games, Facebook or email – you can now do it here at the Galleries – no wires required.
To log on, simply search for TheGalleriesWiFi in your smartphone’s connection settings when you arrive.
You’ll be asked for a few personal details the first time you use it, and from then onwards you will be able to log on using just your registered email address.
Happy Browsing!
Shopmobility
Don’t let limited mobility stop you or a friend from enjoying all that the Galleries Shopping Centre has to offer. Book a motorised scooter or manual wheelchair and make the most of our wheelchair-friendly malls. Scooter and wheelchair hire is subject to availability, however they can be reserved by calling 0191 416 7177 and asking for the mobility department.
To hire a mobility vehicle, you will need to be a registered member. This can be done by providing two forms of ID. One that includes your name and a photo, and one that includes name and address. Examples of this could be either a valid passport, valid driver’s license or a utility bill dated within the last three months. On presentation of these, you’ll be asked to fill out a hire agreement form which with include your terms and conditions. Your membership will need to be renewed every year for us to keep your information updated. All information provided is covered under data protection.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to go!
Shopmobility is available from the Customer Service Desk next to Greggs and Muffin Break. Car Park 1 & 2 (near McDonalds) is equipped with disabled parking and provide the nearest parking for Shopmobility users.
Changing Places
We are proud to announce that the Galleries is home to a specialist Changing Places facility which offers extra features and more space in order to cater for all members of the community including the profoundly disabled.
Our Changing Places facilities helps to make the Galleries and Washington accessible to people who may not have been able to visit otherwise.
Important Information
Facility features
- Bench – Height Adjustable, Adult Sized, Wall Mounted
- Hoist – Ceiling, Loop
- Peninsular Toilet
- Washbasin Height Adjustable
- Non Slip Floor
- Floor Space (sq. m) – 17
- Emergency Alarm
- Privacy Screen
- Paper Roll
- Radar Key
- Managed
- Locked
Toilets/Baby Changing
Our facilities are situated on the upper level and include men, women, disabled and baby changing facilities.
Our toilet facilities are rated as Platinum Standard in the Loo of the Year Awards.
There are also toilet facilities situated in the following stores;
Shopping centre
ASDA
Sainsbury’s
Market Village
McDonalds
Retail Park
Matalan
M&S Simply Food
ATMs
ATMs are situated on the upper level of the centre alongside the following banks and building societies:
Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, Natwest, Nationwide, Santander and Virgin Money.
There are also ATMs situated outside of the entrances to ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Market Village.
Customer Service Desk
The customer service desk is situated in Wessington Square, near to Greggs and Muffin Break.
Cycle Racks
There are cycle racks positioned alongside the Washington Library as well as at the entrance to Sainsbury’s.
Taxi Ranks
There are two taxi ranks at The Galleries. One is situated outside of the ASDA entrance and the other is located outside of the Market Village entrance.
Photo Booths
Photobooths can be found in Asda and Sainsbury’s. Max Spielmann also has the facility to take passport photographs.
First Aid
First Aid trained personnel are always available on site.
Police Station
Our local Police Officer is always keen to build close ties with people who work within in the Galleries and is on hand to discuss any policing issues you wish to highlight.
Abandoned Trollies
Sunderland City Council have a Public Space Protection Order in place around the Centre to assist with the issue of abandoned trollies from various retail outlets in Washington.
This has introduced penalties for anyone removing a trolley from the restricted areas.
To help reduce this problem, if you come across trollies abandoned locally, you can report these to Trolleywise who collect for:
- Aldi
- Home Bargains
- Iceland
- M&S
- Sainsbury’s
Find out more at TrolleyWise | Retrieving & Returning Abandoned Shopping Trolleys | Wanzl
You can report any Asda trollies that you see directly to the store.
Bottle Warming
Bottle warming is available within most eating areas within the Galleries.
A list of our cafes can be found here.
Click and Collect
At the Galleries we pride ourselves on offering convenient shopping right on your door step!
With more than 30 of our retailers offering Click & Collect, you can now shop online at your own leisure and pick up your purchases in store at your earliest convenience, giving you the flexibility to shop how and when you like, whilst taking advantage of our free parking, location and wide variety of stores.
Please see store listings for more details