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Blackheath Halls

23 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9RQ

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground and first floor.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on the first floor.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations on the ground floor.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Blackheath Park.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 110cm.
    • There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Visitors with mobility needs can ring ahead and reserve a space in the car park.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located on Lee Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 5 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a bell at a height of 105cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 85cm.
  • The width of the opening is 132cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 100cm.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 100cm.
  • The width of the opening is 142cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 90cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located immediately ahead of the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 76cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and armchairs.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and manual doors.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Room (Great Hall)

  • The room is located on the ground floor, to the left of reception.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 9m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 142cm.
  • There is a second set of double doors with an opening width of 132cm. The doors are held open at the beginning and end of performances.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the tiered seating area when in use.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There are various room layouts available in this area depending on event. The tiered seating can accommodate wheelchair users on the front row. There is space for wheelchairs available on the front row of seating for all performances.

Eating and Drinking (Friends Bar)

  • Location and Service View
    • The Friends Bar is located to the left of reception.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and designated seating.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free, lactose free and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located along the left hand side.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 106cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • Some seating is fixed.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 190cm (width) x 247cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 78cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 81cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 107cm and 143cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade, and unshaded light sources.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located at the rear left hand side of the building.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has manual doors, narrow walkways and step-free level access.
  • The ground and first floor are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 102cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 109cm (width) x 137cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Front)

  • The stairs surveyed are located behind reception.
  • The ground and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is a similar set of stairs to the left of the lift on the other side of the building. These are shown in pictures 3 and 4.

Room (The Hearn Recital Room)

  • The room is located on the first floor.
  • The distance from the lift is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door has an open extension leaf.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 80cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Announcements are in person.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is a second set of double doors with an opening width of 142cm. Both sets of doors are held open before and after performances.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located immediately ahead of the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 2m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has narrow walkways, manual doors, doors permanently held open and step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 158cm (width) x 310cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 93cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 94cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 82cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 99cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.