You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • Coming off the M20 at Junction 6 follow the signs for Maidstone(A229). Stay on the A229 until you come to the Maidstone Magistrates Court, then take the small side road on the right which leads to the Info Zone car park.
  • The staff car park can be used by visitors with a Blue Badge.
  • For more information on traffic information please click here (opens new tab).
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • The bus stop is located on Lower Stone Street (Stop F1 and is served by the number 82, 101, 155 and 334.
  • For more information on the bus stop please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Maidstone West.
  • Maidstone West Train Station is approximately 0.5 miles away (10 minute walk).
  • For more information on timetables please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Maidstone West Station please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request and different languages on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are not mobility aids available.

You are on Parking (Staff & Blue Badge Holders). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Staff & Blue Badge Holders)

• The venue does have its own parking facilities.

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• Parking View
  • The car park is located off Palace Avenue (A229).
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
  • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 480cm.
  • There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
• Paying View
  • There are no parking charges for the car park.
• Access from the Car Park View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is not clearly signposted.
  • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 7m from the main entrance.
• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).

You are on Approach (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Main Entrance)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is tarmac.
  • The approach surface is uneven in places.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Welcome'.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is a bell/buzzer.
  • The height of the bell/buzzer is 145cm (4ft 9in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
  • The door(s) is/are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the right after you enter.
  • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • The seats do not have armrests.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

You are on Entrance (Reception to Building). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Reception to Building)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located beyond the reception area.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the ground floor.
• Circulation View
  • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

You are on Area(s) (Ground Floor - Social Area). Skip to the next section.

Area(s) (Ground Floor - Social Area)

• The facilities/services located on the ground floor include; a social area and kitchen.
• There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
• There are doors in lobby areas/corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
• There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 150cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
• The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
• Not all of the main walkway(s)/aisle(s) in the open plan office(s) are wide enough for wheelchair users to pass.
• The following facilities in this area may not be accessible or usable for wheelchair users; some desks.
• The type of flooring in the open plan/communal areas is carpet.
• There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
• Access to other floors/levels is via stairs.
• There are no height adjustable desks in this area.
• There are some desks which are potentially accessible for wheelchair users in this area.
• Seating in this area includes; chairs with no armrests, adjustable chairs with wheels but no armrests, sofas and adjustable chairs with wheels and armrests.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• There is no overhead signage in this area.
• None of the doors in this area have Braille signage.
• None of the doors in this area have tactile signage.
• There is not background music in this area.
• There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

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• Refreshment Area(s) View
  • There are no communal refreshment areas.

You are on Room(s) (Ground Floor - Room 2). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (Ground Floor - Room 2)

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• Access View
  • The room surveyed was Room 2.
  • Room 2 is located on the ground floor.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 75cm.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Kitchen (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Kitchen (Ground Floor)

• The kitchen is located to the rear of the breakout area, just past reception.
• There is step-free access to the kitchen.
• There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
• The width of the door opening is 70cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
• The height of the work surfaces are 95cm (3ft 1in).
• There is not a dual height refreshment counter.
• There is not a work surface with a clear knee recess.
• There is not a height adjustable work surface.
• The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
• Vending machines are not available.
• Takeaway cups are available.
• Drinking straws are not available.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, in the main corridor just past the social area.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 100m (109yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 180cm (6ft 11in x 5ft 11in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 120cm from floor level.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by safety cones and the non-infectious waste bin.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is not an emergency alarm.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • 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 vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a lid.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is not a mixer tap.
  • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is not a hand dryer.
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, to the rear of the main corridor.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ground Floor Rear Corridor - Emergency Exit). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ground Floor Rear Corridor - Emergency Exit)

• There is a ramp/slope located at the rear of the ground floor main corridor.
• The ramp/slope is used to access the emergency exit.
• The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
• The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
• The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
• The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

• Stairs can be used to access other floors.
• The stairs are for public use.
• The stairs are located to the right after the reception area.
• The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
• Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
• There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
• The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
• There are 15+ steps between floors.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The steps have a handrail on both sides.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are not easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• There is a landing.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
• The lighting levels at the steps are good.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the right after you pass the reception area.
• The lift was out of use at the time of the survey.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a platform lift.

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• Comments View
  • The lift had been condemned at the time of survey.

You are on Room(s) (First Floor - Room 11). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (First Floor - Room 11)

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• Access View
  • The room surveyed was Room 11.
  • Room 11 is located in the first floor main corridor, on the right.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, but it is not clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • This room has a whiteboard.
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 70cm and 75cm.
  • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Kitchen (First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Kitchen (First Floor)

• The kitchen is located on the first floor, at the rear of the building.
• There is step-free access to the kitchen.
• There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
• The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
• The door(s) is/are single width.
• The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
• The width of the door opening is 70cm.
• There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
• The height of the work surfaces are 90cm (2ft 11in).
• There is not a dual height refreshment counter.
• There is not a work surface with a clear knee recess.
• There is not a height adjustable work surface.
• The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
• Vending machines are not available.
• Takeaway cups are available.
• Drinking straws are not available.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor, to the rear of the venue within the main corridor.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are good.