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BMA House - Basement - 1832 Café/Garden Room and Garden

BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Tavistock Square is located in Central London, south of Euston Station, just off Euston Road (A501).
      If driving to Tavistock Square, please be aware that it is located within the Congestion Charge Zone.
    • The venue has 21 parking bays available via prior arrangement only. Please contact the venue for more information.
      There is both standard and Blue Badge on street parking available on the north side of Tavistock Square.
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Euston.
    • The nearest step-free underground station is King's Cross St. Pancras.
    • Euston underground station is approximately 350 metres from the venue and services the Northern and Victoria Lines.
      King's Cross St. Pancras is approximately 750 metres from the venue and services the Circle, Hammersmith and City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria Lines.
      There are a number of alternative tube stations situated nearby including Euston Square (step-free access from westbound only) and Russell Square.
    • For more information on underground services please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The place of safety is located on the basement floor, next to the Dickens Room.
  • There are fixed hearing assistance systems available in multiple meeting rooms/event spaces.
    There are portable hearing assistance systems available that can be made available across all meeting rooms/event spaces without fixed loops. Please contact the venue for further information regarding hearing assistance systems.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance from reception.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available from reception.
  • A wheelchair is available from reception.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The building does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located at the centre of the building, off Tavistock Square.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There are a total of 30 spaces cross the two levels of the car park.
      21 spaces are available to book in advance for visitors to the venue.
      Staff do not have general use of the car park unless for a specified reason.
      9 spaces are rented out by tenants of the venue.
      There are 2 electric charging points within the lower level car park with the ability to charge 4 cars (2 ports per charging point).
      The electric charging ports and controls are between 120cm-125cm in height.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • Access from the ground level of the car park is via the vehicle access slope used to access the car park.
      This slope is long and steep.
      This slope can be bypassed via lift if required, please contact the venue in advance for more information.
      Access from the basement level of the car park is also via the vehicle access slope leading down from the ground level of the car park.
      This slope is also long and steep.
      Alternatively, there is stepped access (13 total) up to the ground level of the car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the north corner of Tavistock Square.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'British Medical Association, Main Entrance'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception (Main)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 109cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 72cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 06/02/2023.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and tiles.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are chairs with armrests and bench seats available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
    • There is a water dispenser and a television in the waiting area.
      There are security gates located next to the reception that access the majority of the ground floor.
      The standard gate is 64cm in width.
      The wider gate is 88cm in width.
      The security gates are key card activated.
      The key card reader is at a height of 102cm.
      There are 2 welcome desks that are used for events located either side of the reception.
  • Comments View
    • The closest accessible toilet to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor – left hand transfer.
    • The closest standard toilets to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor.
    • The closest standard shower to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor - shared.

Lift (South East)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the security barriers, along the south corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Other Floors (South East)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the security barriers, along the south corridor.
    • The stairs are approximately 55m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the female standard toilets on the stairwell landing between the ground and basement level.

Standard Toilet(s) (South East - Stairwell)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the South East stairwell landing between the basement and ground floor.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located off the South East lift lobby on the basement level.
    • There is stepped access to the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The toilet cubicles were locked at the time of surveying.
      There are 5 steps leading down to the male standard toilets.

Step(s) (Access to Male Standard Toilets - South East)

  • There is a/are step(s) located on the basement floor, leading down to the male standard toilets from the South East lift/stairwell lobby.
  • There is/are 5 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Eating and Drinking (1832 Café/Garden Room)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the basement level, between the South West and South East lifts.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
    • The door opening width is under 75cm.
    • The space is used as a café during the day and can be used for events in the evening.
      When being used for events the space is known as the Garden Room.
      There is a set of double (with one leaf locked) automatic doors accessing the café from the South West lift lobby.
      There is a set of double (with one leaf locked) manual doors accessing the café from the South East lift lobby.
      Both doors are under 75cm in width with the locked leaf.
  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include: menu boards and written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 120cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 67cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 106cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • In this area there are high tables, bench seats and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Basement)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the basement level, to the left as you exit the main lift, along the corridor on the left hand side.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 102cm.

Step(s) (1832 Café to Garden)

  • There is a/are step(s) located within the 1832 Café.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the Garden.
  • There is/are 13 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The depth of the steps are 28cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • There is a platform lift to overcome the step(s).

Lift (1832 Café to Garden)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the 1832 Café.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the South East lift.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 148cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 10in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Outdoor Seating (Garden)

  • The outdoor seating is located within the Garden.
  • There is step-free access to the outdoor seating.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 66cm.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
  • There is a set of double (one leaf locked) doors leading out to the Garden.
    The doors are 110cm wide (one leaf locked).
    The door is heavy and opens away from you.
    There are two sets of 11 steps leading up to the upper level of the Garden.

Step(s) (Between Lower and Upper Garden)

  • There is a/are step(s) located either side of the Garden, to the left or right as you enter the Garden.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the upper section of the Garden.
  • There is/are 11 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 9cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).