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The Link Thamesmead

Belvedere Road, Thamesmead, London, SE2 9BS

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Opening times vary, please check the venues website for further information.
  • Created in the arches under the elevated roundabout in Harrow Manorway, The Link is a community hub containing facilities used for organised activities and which are also available to hire.
  • These include meeting rooms, IT facilities, rehearsal rooms and recording studio and a dance/performance studio.
  • Other parts of the building (off the main corridor) are the bases for Bexley Youth Service, The Archway Youth Training Project, New Horizons Federation education project, Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Thamesmead Gym.
  • Please see their individual websites for further details.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Thamesmead.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Abbeywood.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

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 95cm (3ft 1in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The automatic sliding doors are powered by movement sensor from the outside and by push button to exit. The exit button is within reach of a wheelchair user.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Reception

  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.
  • Comments View
    • The portable induction loop can be used in other parts of the building if required.
    • There is lounge-type seating available in the foyer area.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service.
  • 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 varied.
  • Comments View
    • On the ground floor, facilities include:
    • reception, the café, public access computer terminals (in the main foyer), standard and accessible toilets and changing rooms, access to arch spaces.
    • On the first floor there are 3 meeting rooms for hire, staff offices and further standard toilets.
    • There is Braille signage to doors throughout the venue.

Eating and Drinking (Arch A Cafe)

  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Drinking straws are available on request.
  • 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.

Other Floors (First Floor)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 22 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • The lift overcomes the stairs.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the foyer, to the right of the reception desk.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • 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 102cm x 150cm (3ft 4in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Level Change (Main Corridor)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the foyer / cafe to the arch spaces.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • Although the corridor has an easy slope, it is a considerable distance to the furthest arches.

Outside Access (Arches Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located from the main corridor into the arches.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • Each of the separate facilities within the arches has its own entrance off the main corridor.
    • Each entrance is physically the same, but is boldly signed and coloured differently.

Arch D - Music Facility

  • This arch contains an IT suite with linked keyboards designed for musical composition, a sound-proofed rehearsal room that can also be used for general meetings and a recording studio.
  • Arch D has its own accessible and standard toilets.

Accessible Toilet (Arch D)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Arch D entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the corridor within Arch D.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 230cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • 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.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (Arch D)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The unisex toilets are located off the corridor within Arch D.
    • Unisex toilets are 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Arch D Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard unisex toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Theatre (Arch E - The Studio)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in front of the bleacher seating.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit in the row immediately behind.
  • It is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The Studio comprises two rehearsal spaces which can be opened up into one large space when required.
    • There is bleacher seating for up to 160 people.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is in the main foyer, off the café.

Standard Changing Room (Arch E - The Studio)

  • There are standard changing rooms available.
  • The standard changing room is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Arch E entrance.
  • The standard changing room is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing rooms are located next the the entrance to Arch E.
  • There is level access to the standard changing rooms.
  • Comments View
    • This small unisex changing room off the studio is mainly used by children's groups.
    • There are separate male and female changing rooms with showers off the main foyer / café.

Standard Toilet(s) (Arch E - The Studio)

Accessible Toilet (Arch A - Cafe)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located beyond the reception, to the right of the café space.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 250cm (7ft 10in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 175cm (5ft 9in).
    • 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.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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 fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Shower (Arch A - Cafe)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The showers are located within the accessible toilet off the cafe space.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails, and a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 49cm (1ft 7in).
  • Other facilities available are two drop-down rails.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible shower/ toilet space is large enough to also serve as a changing room.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Arch A Cafe)

Standard Changing Room (Arch A - Cafe)

  • There are standard changing rooms available.
  • The standard changing room is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing rooms are located to the right of the cafe space.
  • There is level access to the standard changing rooms.

Standard Shower (Arch A - Cafe)

  • There are standard level access shower facilities available.
  • The showers are located within the standard changing rooms.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • Staff are Text Relay aware.