Skip to main content

Ground Floor

St Stephens Lane, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1DT

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • Staff do not receive deaf awareness training.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/near by.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include motorised wheelchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact Shopmobility.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 21:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 21:00.
  • Wednesday Closed.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 21:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 21:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 21:00.

Outside Access (St Stephens Lane Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on St Stephens Lane.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are fixed barriers at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the fixed barriers is 204cm.
    • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 7 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • 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 not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Buttermarket Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Buttermarket.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Getting Around (The Ground Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building.
    • There is a steep slope, with no handrails, for access to the Buttermarket Centre from the St Stephens Lane entrance.
    • The level change 1 slope is shown in photographs 4 and 5.
    • There is a slight slope, with no handrails, for access to the Buttermarket Centre from the Buttermarket Entrance.
    • The level change 2 slope is shown in photograph 6.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs, escalator and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Other Floors (St Stephens Lane)

  • 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 the St Stephens Lane entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 13m from the St Stephens Lane entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, LG, G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going 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 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Escalator(s) (St Stephens Lane)

  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located ahead as you enter through the St Stephens Lane entrance.
    • The escalator(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The escalators go both up and down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G and 1.
    • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.

Lift (St Stephens Lane)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter St Stephens Lane entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the St Stephens Lane 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 LG, G and 1.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the lower ground floor.
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 140cm (5ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are no 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 controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Other Floors (Central Stairs and Lift Lobby)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located in the centre of Buttermarket.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the car park pedestrian exit.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, LG, G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift (Central Stairs and Lift Lobby)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the centre of Buttermarket.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the car park pedestrian exit.
  • 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, LG, G and 1.
  • There are automatic, double doors to on the lower ground floor and on the basement floor.
  • 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 contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 183cm (5ft 11in x 6ft).
  • There are no 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 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 good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor next to Shopmobility.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the central stairs and lift lobby.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from Shopmobility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 193cm x 246cm (6ft 4in x 8ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Lower Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the lower ground floor, in the central stairs and lift lobby.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lower ground floor car park exit.
    • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat and a vertical rail on the right.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the lower ground floor, in the central stairs and lift lobby.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lower ground floor car park Exit.
    • There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat and a vertical rail on the left.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Parent and Baby Room (Lower Ground Floor)

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located on the lower ground floor, in the central stairs and lift lobby.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 12m from the lower ground floor car park exit.
  • There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 75cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
  • There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a chair with armrests on both sides.
  • There is a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Related Access Guides