Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

St Albans Civic Centre

St Peter's Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3JE

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

Location

  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is St. Albans.
  • Comments View
    • The venue is within the centre of the City and is not situated on a road with a steep gradient.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Civic Centre Car Park.
    • The car park is located on Civic Close.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located on St Peter's Street.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • Standard marked parking bays are located on Bricket Road.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on St Peter's Street.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 9m (29ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/09/2021.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located next to the reception area.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps do have open risers.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are varied.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located opposite the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G,1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (32ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 150cm (5ft 2in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

The Council Chamber

  • The Council Chamber is located on the 1st floor.
  • The chamber can be accessed via lift or stairs.
  • Access into the chamber is via two sets of push pad activated automatic doors.
  • The first set of doors open towards you and have a door opening width of 122cm.
  • The second set of doors open towards you and have a door opening width of 126cm.
  • All councillor desks have a microphone.
  • An infra red loop system with headsets is fitted in the chamber.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • The height of the desks is 75cm.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located on Civic Close, opposite the Civic Centre.
    • The facility is approximately 20m (65ft) from the the main entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Civic Centre reception.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the door is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 299cm x 304cm .
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 88cm (2ft 10in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a low visual contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 10in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, next to the Council Chamber.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (39ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm (2ft 8in).
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 234cm x 153cm (7ft 8in x 5ft 0in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a medium visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • There is an emergency alarm .
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a fixed horizontal rail without a padded backrest.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a high visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a low visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.