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Sports Centre

Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 4SX

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a fitness suite, sports hall, studio and teaching room.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include the Tennis Centre.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • You can use the AA route planner to plan your journey. In accordance with the university's sustainability policy, visitors are advised to travel to St Mary's by public transport wherever possible. St Mary's is located on Waldegrave Road (A309) to the south of Twickenham. If you are using a sat nav, the postcode for the campus is TW1 4SX.
    • Parking restrictions apply on the campus from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and parking is limited at other times. Please call the main reception on 020 8240 4000 if you require further clarification.
  • By Bus View
    • From Richmond Upon Thames you can catch the R68 towards Hampton Court from a bus stop just outside Richmond station. Get off at the Twickenham, King Street stop and then take the 33 towards Fulwell. Get off at the ‘St Mary's University’ stop, which is just outside of St Mary’s main reception. You can also take the 33 from Richmond, although the bus stop is a 5 minute walk from Richmond station on Sheen Road (Bus stop L). From Twickenham or Teddington the 33 heading towards Fulwell stops on Richmond Road and York Street in Twickenham. The 33 heading towards Hammersmith stops on Stanley Road and Broad Street (Teddington High Street) in Teddington.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Strawberry Hill which is 0.3 miles away. To get to the university from the station turn left when you exit, then walk past Premier Wine and the Post Office on your left and take the second road on your right, which is Waldegrave Gardens. At the end of Waldegrave Gardens, turn right onto Waldegrave Road and St Mary's main reception is on your left.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest tube station is Richmond, which is 2.6 miles away. It is on the District and Overground Lines.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the side and rear of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 280cm x 450cm (9ft 2in x 14ft 9in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 100m (109yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are uneven surfaces.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located at the front of the building.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • The parking bays located outside the building are for Day Permit holders only. These permits are available to book in advance from the main reception. Parking charges apply to visitors section of the car park (by main reception, approx 20 parking places).
  • Comments View
    • .

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 100cm wide single door to the right as you enter that requires a key card to access (as shown in photographs 5 and 6). At the time of the survey (August 2020), this was being used as the exit from the Sport Centre only.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main reception.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of the survey (August 2020) this was only being used as an exit from the Sports Centre.
    • It can also be used to access the link to the Tennis Centre from within the Sports Centre (as shown in photograph 2).

Outside Access (Tennis Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Tennis Centre Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a slight slope to the left of the entrance as you face it, leading up to the entrance from the square outside Cronin and Cashin halls of residences (shown in photograph 7).
    • Photograph 8 shows the hand sanitiser, 139cm high, located just before the second doors at the entrance.
    • Photograph 9 shows the inside of the Tennis Centre. There are no toilets or changing rooms in this building.
    • Photograph 10 shows the path leading from the main building.

Reception (Main)

  • The main reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There are security gates just beyond reception which require key cards to access.
    • The turnstyle gate is 51cm wide.
    • There is a wider gate to the right of this that is 100cm wide (shown in photograph 3).
    • At the time of the survey (August 2020) there was a screen fitted at this reception (photograph 4), and there was a sensor operated hand sanitiser dispenser, 98 cm high, located next to the desk (photograph 5).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
    • There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played within the fitness and conditioning suite.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of the survey (August 2020) there was a one way system in place throughout the centre, with directional signage on the floor (photographs 1 and 2).
    • Photograph 3 shows the main sports hall.
    • Photograph 4 shows the studio. There is a short, slight ramp at the entrance to the studio (photograph 5).
    • Photograph 6 shows the Link Room.

Reception (Fitness and Conditioning Suite)

  • The fitness and conditioning suite reception is located within the fitness and conditioning suite.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the fitness and conditioning suite entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Fitness Suite (Fitness and Conditioning Suite)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located to the rear of the building.
    • The fitness suite is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open away from you (push).
    • The doors are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The opening is 94cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is not level access to all of the equipment.
  • Comments View
    • There is a hand sanitiser dispenser, 125 cm high, just outside the entrance to the Fitness and Conditioning Room.
    • At the time of the survey (August 2020) there was a one way system in place in the room, with directional signage on the floor. The fire exit was being used as the main exit from the room (photograph 5).
    • Apparatus that is accessible to wheelchair users includes free weights, dual adjustable pulley machines (photographs 6 and 7) and the arm cycle (photograph 8).

Level Change (Free Weight Room)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located at the far end of the Fitness and Conditioning Suite, at the entrance to the Free Weights Room.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • Once inside the Free Weights Room, there is a similar ramp leading down to the rear of the room (Shown in photograph 3).
    • Beyond this, there are slight ramps up to the Power Lifting Platforms (photograph 4).
    • There is a sensor operated hand sanitiser dispenser, 107cm high, at the entrance to the Free Weights Room.

Accessible Toilet (Reception)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter, next to the main reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 205cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 9in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 not 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Changing Room

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible changing room is located on the ground floor, off the corridor between the male and female and team changing rooms.
    • This accessible changing room is approximately 30m from the main entrance.
    • The accessible changing room is approximately 11m from the fitness and conditioning suite.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible changing room.
    • A key is not required for the accessible changing room.
    • There is no signage on or near the accessible changing room door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible changing room opening is 94cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 230cm x 250cm.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the accessible changing room include; a wash basin, handrails, a chair/stool, a toilet and a wheel in shower.
    • This is a shared changing room.
    • The type of flooring in the changing room is tiles.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the accessible changing room.
    • There is seating available within the changing room.
    • The seating within the changing room includes: a flip down/tip up seat.
    • There are no lockers within the changing room.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 105cm and 131cm from the floor.
    • The lighting levels in the changing room are moderate to good.
    • The flip down seat is 49 cm high, and has a horizontal and vertical grab rail on the right hand side as you face it, plus drop down rails both sides (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
  • Toilet Features View
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • 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 3in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a colostomy bag shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 101cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is good.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • There are two accessible changing rooms available. The other is next to the one detailed here, and is a mirror image of it, so the toilet has the transfer space on the left (shown in photographs 8 - 14).

Standard Changing Room

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right of the building.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the fitness and conditioning suite.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • This information applies to the male standard changing room.
    • There is a similar female changing room as well as team changing rooms located next to this one.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, off the corridor between the male and female and team changing rooms?.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 30m from the main entrance.
    • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.