Access Guide
Getting Here
- The venue is approximately 0.7miles from the M2 via London Road.
- There is limited on-site Blue Badge and standard parking available at the venue.
- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is 150 metres away on St Mary's Rd Road with direct links to Dartford, West Kingsdown and Swanley.
- For more information on Go Coach Buses please click here (opens new tab).
- The nearest Railway Station is Swanley.
- The nearest station is Swanley, approximately 0.4 miles away, with direct links to Ashford International, Bromley South, Rochester, London Victoria and London Charing Cross.
- For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on National Rail Enquiries please click here (opens new tab).
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.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; large print 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.
Parking
- The venue does have its own parking facilities.
- The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not 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) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 230cm x 370cm (7ft 7in x 12ft 2in).
- There is not a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
- There are no parking charges for the car park.
- Parking is free for visitors of the venue.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is/are uneven surfaces.
- 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.
- There is tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
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Comments
View
- Parking is free for visitors to the venue and is limited to one hour.
Entrance (Swanley Link Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue on London Road.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance sign says 'Swanley Link'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 115cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Reception
- The reception point is located directly ahead through the entrance, and on the left.
- The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) 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 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 76cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of 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 system is available only on request.
- The hearing assistance system is not 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 22/11/2023.
- 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 provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is laminate.
- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Getting Around
- There is step-free access throughout the ground floor.
- There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- 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.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is 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 a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The portable loop is located at the main reception desk on the ground floor.
Library
- The library is located directly ahead through the main entrance doors.
- The library is 3m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the library.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
- The type of flooring in the library is laminate.
- There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
- 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 72cm in height.
- There are no height adjustable desks available.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
- The library does have a computer area.
- The computer area is located opposite reception.
- There is step-free access to the computer area.
- The majority of the computer desk(s) are 76cm in height.
- There is a height adjustable desk in this area.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- The computers have Windows 10 Ease of Access Software available.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A height adjustable chair is / are available.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests in the computer area.
Eating and Drinking (Swanley Link Cafe)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located opposite reception, on the right.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are hand held and wall.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
Counter (Post Office)
- The counter is 35m (38yd 10in) from the entrance.
- There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- The height of the counter is 98cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a lowered section.
- The height of the lowered section of the counter is 80cm.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 22/11/2023.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
View
- The facility is located at the rear of the venue on the left.
- The facility is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from 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 level access to the facility.
- The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- You do need a key for the facility.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from reception.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 400cm x 300cm.
- The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
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Toilet Details
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- The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 170cm (5ft 7in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- As you face the toilet the vertical grab rail is on the left.
- There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- There is a push button flush.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 92cm.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a low colour 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.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The facility changing bench is free standing.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 200cm (6ft 7in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
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Shower Details
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- There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The adjustable shower head can be placed between 120cm and 140cm when mounted.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
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Other Facilities
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- A privacy screen is not available.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is not a mixer tap.
- Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 130cm.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 110cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are female sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is a coat hook.
- The height of the coat hook is 127cm from the floor.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- The lighting levels are good.
Parent and Baby Room
- There is a parent and baby room for public use.
- The parent and baby room is located at the rear of the venue, on the left.
- The parent and baby room is approximately 40m from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
- 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 60cm.
- There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
- There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
- The height of the wash basin is 79cm.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
- There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the venue, on the left.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial, written text and dementia friendly signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 205cm (6ft 11in x 6ft 9in).
- The accessible toilet does 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
- 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 not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
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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 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 cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot 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 96cm (3ft 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).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- 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 have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 103cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
- There is a low colour contrast between the toilet seat and the pan.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
- The shared toilet(s) surveyed is/are located at the rear of the venue, on the left.
- The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the shared toilet(s).
- There is 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 twist/turn.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are good.
