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

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • The centre is located on James Whatman Way next to Maidstone United Football Club.
    The M20 junction 6 is 1.2 miles away via the A229 (Chatham Road and Royal Engineers Road).
  • The centre does not have its own parking but there are three Blue Badge Bays outside the front of the venue and there is also pay & display standard parking bays along James Whatman Way.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • The nearest bus stop is on the A229 (Royal Engineers Road), approximately 0.1 mile from the venue.
    The services that operate from this stop are the 101 Sapphire, b150 and the 155.
  • For more information on Arriva Buses please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Maidstone East.
  • Maidstone East Station is approximately 0.3 mile from the venue.
    There are direct train services to London Victoria, Ashford International and Canterbury West.
  • For more information on Maidstone East 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 can be provided on request.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request and audio 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 mobility aids available.
• There is a book trolley that can be used as a mobility aid.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does not have its own parking facilities.

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• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
• Comments View
  • There are three Blue Badge bays on the street outside of the venue with a dropped kerb but no tactile paving as shown in photographs 1 and 2.
  • The dimensions are 300cm x 680cm.
  • There are also pay & display standard parking bays along James Whatman Way.
  • There is one parking space at the rear of the venue which is reserved for the Archives Staff Car and potential for two more staff parking spaces when the fence has been removed as shown in photographs 3-5.

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 block paving.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.

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 building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Kent History & Library Centre'.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 290cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 1-6 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

You are on Counter (Welcome Desk). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Welcome Desk)

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• Counter View
  • The counter is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The counter is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
  • The height of the counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is 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 counter.
  • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided near the counter.
  • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
• Waiting Area and Signage View
  • There is not a waiting area close to the counter.

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

Reception (Library)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the left from the main entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is not 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 no 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 sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 72cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
  • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 29/01/2020.
  • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
  • 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 laminate.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

You are on Library. Skip to the next section.

Library

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• Library Access and Circulation View
  • The library is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The library is 1m from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the library.
  • The type of flooring in the library is laminate.
  • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
• Library Services View
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • There is a self-service book borrow/return machine available.
  • The self-service machine touch screen is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is step-free access within the library.
  • There are reading/study desks available.
  • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 69cm in height.
  • There are no height adjustable desks available.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
• Computer Area View
  • The library does have a computer area.
  • The computer area is located various points throughout the library.
  • There is step-free access to the computer area.
  • The majority of the computer desk(s) are 69cm in height.
  • There are no height adjustable desks in this area.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable chair and height adjustable table is / are available.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests in the computer area.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

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• Access and Circulation View
  • There is step-free access throughout the building.
  • There is a/are door(s) 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 laminate.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
  • 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/sound.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Room(s) (Multi-Function Room). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (Multi-Function Room)

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• Access View
  • The room surveyed was Multi-Function Room.
  • Multi-Function Room is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
  • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
  • 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 is easy to open.
  • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s) available on request.
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are some 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 Room(s) (Library Meeting Room). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (Library Meeting Room)

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• Access View
  • The room surveyed was Library Meeting Room.
  • Library Meeting Room is located on the left hand side of the library.
  • 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 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) towards you (pull).
  • 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 a hearing assistance system for the room(s) available on request.
  • This room has a television screen and a whiteboard.
  • There is 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 67cm.
  • 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 some 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 Room(s) (Pods - Registration Births & Deaths). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (Pods - Registration Births & Deaths)

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• Access View
  • The room surveyed was Pods - Registration Births & Deaths.
  • Pods - Registration Births & Deaths is located on the right hand side of the library.
  • 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 sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) by sliding.
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are double.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s) available on request.
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 72cm.
  • 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 some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The type of flooring in the room(s) is laminate.
  • 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.
  • There are two pods within the library. They're both on the right hand side of the library but one is at the front and other one is at rear.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Public - Ground Floor - Right 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 left hand side of the library.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) 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 Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 190cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by waste bins.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are non-infectious waste, general domestic 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 a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The shelf is at a height of 40cm.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 126cm (4ft 2in).
  • 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).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is 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 94cm.
  • 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 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• 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 high.
  • 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
• Comments View
  • There is a single, heavy door that opens towards you (pull) to access the toilets.
  • The width of the door is 78cm.

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

Standard Toilet(s) (Public - Ground Floor)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located on the left hand side of the library.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s).
  • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal.
  • 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 push.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • There is a single, heavy door that opens towards you (pull) to access the toilets.
  • The width of the door is 78cm.

You are on Room(s) (Archive Room). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (Archive Room)

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• Access View
  • The room surveyed was Archive Room.
  • Archive Room is located to the left from the main entrance.
  • 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 block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
  • There is step-free access into the room(s).
• Room Details View
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are double.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) 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.
  • A key card is required to access this room.
    The height of the key card reader is 112cm.

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

Reception (Archive)

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the left from the Archive entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Archive 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 no 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 low (76cm or lower) .
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • 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.