Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include main reception, contact centre, council chamber, meeting rooms, staff offices and a cafe.
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Comments
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- The Civic Offices are the main point of contact for all council services, most of which are based in this building.
Location
- The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
- This venue is situated in Bexleyheath.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest mainline station is Barnehurst.
Opening Times (Building and Reception)
- Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Opening Times (Contact Centre and Services)
- Monday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Parking (Staff and Blue Badge 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.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
- The car park is to the left side of the building, accessed from Woolwich Road.
- There are 10 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 400cm x 500cm (13ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
- The nearest designated bay is 65m (71yd 3in) from the main entrance.
- The furthest designated bay is 110m (120yd 11in) from the main entrance.
- 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 dropped kerbs.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
- The patron does not have to cross a road.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
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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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- The are 4 Blue Badge bays facing Woolwich Road.
- These bays have direct access via a dropped kerb to the pavement leading to the main entrance.
- There are 6 further bays at the rear of the building.
- Car park entry is by intercom at the security barrier to reception.
- After staff hours, general parking may also be available to the public attending evening meetings.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main doors open automatically.
- The doors are double width.
- The door opening is 195cm (6ft 5in) wide.
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Second set of doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The doors open automatically.
- The doors are double width.
- The door opening is 195cm (6ft 5in) wide.
Level Change (Main Entrance)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located leading up from the left of the entrance.
- The ramp or slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- There are steps to access this area / service.
- The steps are located in front and to the right of the entrance.
- There is / are 9 step(s) to the area / service.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Comments
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- The ramp has a landing half way up.
Reception
- The desk is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to reception from the entrance.
- The reception desk is high.
- The desk has a lowered section.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Waiting Room / Area (Main Foyer)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There are not doors into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is stone.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- Announcements are in person.
- Lighting levels are bright.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
Security Barriers
- There are security barriers to access the council chamber, staff areas and some meeting rooms.
- The barriers are to the right of the main reception desk.
- The barriers are 6m from the reception desk.
- There are two 120cm wide barriers, one to each side of the standard barriers.
- Standard barriers are 58cm.
- The barrier doors are clear glass.
- Access is by staff or visitor key card or operated by reception staff.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- There is level access to the main reception, contact centre, cafe, meeting rooms and public toilets.
- The council chamber is on the lower ground floor.
- Staff areas are on upper floors.
- There is a fixed hearing loop available in one of the meeting rooms, and portable loops available for use in other areas.
Level Change (Route to Council Chamber)
- There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
- The ramp or slope is located to the right of the central atrium, within the staff area.
- The ramp or slope is permanent.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp or slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- There are steps to access this area / service.
- The steps are located in front of and to the left of the central atrium.
- There is / are 4 step(s) to the area / service.
- The lighting levels at the steps are bright.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
Reception (Contact Centre Reception)
- The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- The contact centre is located to the left of the main reception desk.
- There are no doors into the contact centre.
- The reception desk is a long counter, with space for several staff members at busy times.
Waiting Room / Area (Contact Centre)
- There is a waiting room / area.
- The waiting room / area is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access into the waiting room / area.
- There are not doors into the waiting room / area.
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs with armrests are available.
- Announcements are in person.
- Lighting levels are bright.
- The room does not have background music playing.
- There is a television.
- Subtitles are available.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- There is a children's play area.
Eating and Drinking (Café)
- The following information is for the cafe.
- 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.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 39cm (1ft 3in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic cups are available.
- Plastic cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available on request.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is light meals, snacks and drinks.
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Comments
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- The public café counter is located in the Customer Contact Centre.
- There are a range of seating options within the waiting area, from sofas to bar-height counters.
Council Chamber
- The council chamber is located on the lower ground floor, at the rear of the civic offices.
- Public access is from the main entrance, through the security barriers.
- It is a large flexible space.
- Furniture may be arranged as required.
- The are meeting rooms to either side of the main chamber.
- These may be opened up to the main space to create public seating areas for council meetings.
Other Floors (Central Stairs - Staff Areas)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium.
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- There are other similar sets of stairs at each end of the building.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the staff area.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3.
- The lift is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The clear door width is 99cm (3ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 135cm (5ft 3in x 4ft 5in).
- 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 reach for a wheelchair user.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
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Comments
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- There are identical lifts in the east and west wings of the building.
- Visitors would be accompanied by a member of staff in the staff areas.
Accessible Toilet (Public Area)
- 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 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the contact centre.
- 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
- The door weight is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 210cm (7ft 10in x 6ft 11in).
- There is 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 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.
- 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 49cm (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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a sink.
- The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the sink is 78cm (2ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- There is a medium colour 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.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Accessible Toilet (Staff Area)
- 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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the security barriers.
- The accessible toilet is located to the right, after the security barriers.
- 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 99cm (3ft 3in).
- The door weight is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 220cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
- There is 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 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.
- 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a sink.
- The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- There is a medium colour 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.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- There are two similar toilets on each of the upper levels of the building.
- These are located off the main corridor.
Standard Toilet(s)
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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 in the staff areas, on each floor.
- The female and male toilets are 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilet.
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s)
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- The unisex toilets are located at the rear of the contact centre.
- Unisex toilets are 28m (30yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in a seperate baby changing room.
- 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.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service can be requested.
- Home visits / services are available.
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Comments
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- Certain services within the building will carry out home visits via appointment only.