Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include
Ground Floor: swimming pool, teaching pool, climbing wall, crèche, café.
First Floor: fitness studio, two group exercise studios, health suite, main pool spectator gallery.
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Comments
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- There is a contact page via the centre website and bookings can be made on line.
- If you require support with the app or booking online please call the venue on 07483 018 724. .
- This phone will be open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.
Location
- The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
- This venue is situated in Lewisham.
- The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest mainline station is Lewisham.
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Comments
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- The Leisure Centre is opposite the main bus and rail station, which also serves Lewisham DLR.
Opening Times
- Monday 06:30 - 22:00.
- Tuesday 06:30 - 22:00.
- Wednesday 06:30 - 22:00.
- Thursday 06:30 - 22:00.
- Friday 06:30 - 22:00.
- Saturday 07:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday 07:00 - 17:00.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
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Venue Car Park
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- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- Parking is free for Blue badge holders although they still have to register.
- The car park is located at the rear of the venue.
- The car park type is sheltered.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
- There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 350cm x 500cm (11ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the the Car Park entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the the Car Park entrance.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 2.1cm (1in).
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
- Clearly signed and/or standard on street marked bays are not available.
- The car park entrance is on Elmira Street.
- If a customer needs help getting into the centre from the car park, a staff can be contacted via the intercom to help.
- On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the left side of the building.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 125cm (4ft 1in).
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 97cm.
- 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) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
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Comments
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- There is an Intercom but it did not work during time of survey.
- This entrance is located on the pedestrian area to the left of the building and gives access close to the reception desk.
- The powered doors are operated by movement sensor. These automatic doors were not working during time of survey, so they had to be manually opened.
- Height of push button on the inside is 120cm high.
- There is an Intercom but it did not work during time of survey.
Outside Access (Main entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the left side of the building before the accessible entrance.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located just before the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
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Comments
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- The doors may be closed depending on the weather and season.
- The doors may be difficult to open.
- The doors may be closed depending on the weather and season.
Outside Access (Car Park)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the rear left side of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 156cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located beyond the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
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Comments
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- These sets of doors are used to enter the building from the car park, by going around to either the Main or Accessible entrance.
Outside Access (Car Park Entrance- Blue Badge Holders)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located within the car park, near the entrance.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The width of the door opening is 112cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 98cm.
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Comments
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- This entrance is for Blue Badge holders only.
- Users make contact with reception via video intercom to gain access.
- Venue needs to the contacted beforehand.
- There are bollards are this entrance, this can be bypassed by going around them.
- This entrance is for Blue Badge holders only.
Level Change (Ramp to Car Park Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located towards the rear of the building and gives access from the foyer area to the car park entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
Reception
- The desk/counter is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable 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 12/06/2024.
- The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
- There is a touch screen.
- The touch screen is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
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Comments
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- There is a touch screen on the left of the reception counter.
- This touch screen is used to sign up and obtain a membership.
- The touch screen counter is at a 104cm height and the tablet itself is 125cm high from the ground.
- The reception counter has a portable payment making device which can be used when purchasing a day pass for certain activities.
- The reception also sells swimming gears such as bathing suits and goggles.
- There is a touch screen on the left of the reception counter.
Security Barriers
- Security Barriers are present to the right of the reception desk.
- There are two different barriers a user can go through.
- The wide barrier is 90cm wide and the standard barrier is 60cm wide.
- The powered barriers are operated by staff or by the user's membership card.
- To exit, the barriers are operated by movement sensor. This exit barrier has a width of 89cm.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played in some areas, depending on activities.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is level access to all services in the venue through the use of a lift.
- There is a charging point for electric wheelchairs and scooters to the right of the foyer, beyond the security barriers.
- There are also locking points for buggies etc.
- There is bold pictorial signage throughout the building.
- There is level access to all services in the venue through the use of a lift.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- The stairs are located to the right of the foyer, within the security area beyond reception.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left of the foyer, beyond reception.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the reception.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
- 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 have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Eating and Drinking (The Bickells Café)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the right of the public foyer area, before the reception.
- The bar does serve food.
- 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 71cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- 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 sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
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Comments
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- The Café is open from 11:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and 08:30 to 12:30 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.
- There are also refreshment vending machines available in the foyer, beyond the reception.
- The Café is open from 11:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and 08:30 to 12:30 on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays.
Toilet with Adaptations (The Bickells Café)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right of the public foyer, beyond the café counter.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from reception.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 140cm x 200cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
- 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).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
- There is a low visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 79cm (2ft 7in).
Standard Toilet(s) (The Bickells Café)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right of the public foyer, beyond the cafe.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within both the standard toilets.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
Swimming Pool
- There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
- There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
- There is a wet side chair available.
- There are steps into the swimming pool.
- There are 8 steps.
- There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
- There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.
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Comments
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- Both pools have the facility to adjust the depth.
- There are shallow steps to enter the main pool picture right) in addition to several ladder type steps.
- The main pool has a hydraulic platform lift (picture left) which is used with the wet side chair.
- The same chair can be used with the hydraulic lift in the teaching pool. Both lifts are operated by staff.
- The teaching pool can be viewed from the foyer café.
- The main pool can be viewed from the tiered spectator area, accessed from the first floor.
- Within the changing areas, all users are required to remove footwear or wear the overshoes provided.
Accessible Changing Room (Swimming Pool)
- There are accessible changing rooms available.
- The accessible changing rooms are located within the wet side changing area.
- The accessible changing room is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the the Main Entrance.
- The accessible changing room is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the the main pool.
- The vending machine controls {Radio} within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 240cm x 260cm (7ft x 8ft).
- The facilities available in the accessible changing room are a wheel in shower.
- Other fixtures/facilities available include; accessible toilet within the same room.
- There is level access to the changing room.
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Comments
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- There are two unisex accessible change/ shower/ toilet rooms within the pool changing area.
- There are accessible lockers within the general pool changing area foyer.
Toilet with Adaptations (Swimming Pool Changing Room)
- There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The accessible toilet is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the the Main Entrance.
- The accessible toilet is located within the swimming pool accessible changing rooms.
- There is level access to the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 260cm (7ft x 8ft).
- Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 160cm (5ft).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is a functional emergency alarm available.
- It is not a push button style of alarm.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is not a coat hook.
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted rails are available.
- As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (18in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3").
- 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 3").
- There is a sink.
- The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5").
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- Lighting levels are medium.
Accessible Shower (Swimming Pool Changing Room)
- Accessible shower facilities are available.
- The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the two accessible changing rooms.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
- The height of the seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- Other facilities available include; accessible toilet within the same room.
- There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
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Comments
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- There are further accessible showers alongside standard showers within the separate male and female pool changing areas.
- These also have flip down seats, hand rails and adjustable handsets.
- There is also a shower with rails and flip down seat at the poolside.
Standard Changing Room (Swimming Pool Changing Rooms)
- The standard changing room is 55m (60yd 5in) from the Main Entrance.
- The standard changing room is 35m (38yd 10in) from the reception desk.
- The standard changing room is 25m (27yd 13in) from the the main pool.
- The standard changing rooms are located off the pool changing area foyer.
- There is level access to the standard changing rooms.
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Comments
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- There are two unisex family changing rooms, which have a bench seat and fold-down baby changing bench (picture left).
- The height of the baby change bench when extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- In addition, there are separate large male and female changing rooms (picture right) and rooms used by school groups.
Standard Shower (Swimming Pool Changing Rooms)
- There are standard level access shower facilities available.
- The showers are located within the standard male and female changing rooms.
- There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
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Comments
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- There are accessible and standard level access showers available in the same area.
Standard Toilet(s) (Swimming Pool Changing Area)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilets are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilets are located off the pool changing area foyer.
- The female and male toilets are 50m (54yd 2ft) from the the Main Entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.
- Lighting levels are bright.
Fitness Suite
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Access to Fitness Suite
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- The fitness suite is located on the first floor.
- The fitness suite is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is step free access to the fitness suite.
- Level access is by lift.
- There are doors into the fitness suite.
- The doors open away from you (push).
- The doors are double.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The opening is 158cm (5ft 2in) wide.
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IFI Accredited Fitness Suite
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- A number of staff have received IFI Mark standard Disability Equality Training.
- IFI accredited equipment is available.
- For example: treadmill, upright cycle and recumbent cycle.
- A portable hearing assistance system is available for induction.
- Staff are trained to use the portable hearing assistance system.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
- There is level access to all of the equipment.
- Link to IFI websitehttp://www.efds.co.uk/search/postcode/48?q=se14.
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Fitness Suite (General)
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- Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
- There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
- There is level access to all of the equipment.
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Comments
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- This is a large fitness suite, with over 100 stations.
- There is an upper body cardio machine but this was out of service during time of survey.
- There is a water fountain for users, this has a height of 83cm.
- The suite currently had provisional IFI accreditation until November 2016.
- This is a large fitness suite, with over 100 stations.
Accessible Changing Room (First Floor Changing Room)
- There are accessible changing rooms available.
- The accessible changing room is located on the right of the Fitness Suite entrance.
- The facility is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Fitness suite entrance.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 244cm x 232cm (8ft x 7ft 7in).
- The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 163cm (5ft 4in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted rails are available.
- The toilet seat is 46cm (1ft 6in) above floor level.
- There is a sink.
- The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the sink is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
- The alarm did not sound when tested.
- There is not a locker within the accessible changing room.
- There is not a changing bench.
- There is a wheel in shower.
- The facilities available in the accessible shower are handrails and a flip-down seat.
- The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
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Comments
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- There are also 3 hooks in this room. The highest is 148cm from the ground and the lowest is 99cm.
Standard Changing Room (Health Suite, First Floor)
- There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Lift.
- The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the the Fitness Suite.
- The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located off the first floor foyer.
- There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
- Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
Standard Shower (Health Suite, First Floor)
- Shower facilities are available.
- The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the standard male and female changing rooms.
- There is level access to the shower facilities.
Standard Toilet(s) (Health Suite, First Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the Health Suite.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- This is by lift.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
- Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.
Additional Info
- 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 cannot be requested.
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Comments
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- The pictures right show the main pool viewing area. This has spaces at the upper level for wheelchair users and is accessible from the first floor.
