You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Although the Discovery Centre is accessible to wheelchair users, the park is not.
• The park is open daily from 08:00 until dusk.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• The nearest National Rail station is Braintree.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Overflow car park is not available due to Covid Restrictions.
  • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
  • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 66m (72yd 6in) from the basement entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the basement 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 uneven surfaces.
  • The car park surface is loose chippings.
  • There is a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • The road is generally quiet.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
• Comments View
  • There are no marked parking bays within the car park.

You are on Access Point (Park Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Park Entrance)

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• Access Point View
  • This information is for the access point located at the front of the park.
  • There is not an information board/map at this access point.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
  • There is no gate at this access point.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading down from the visitors centre.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 100cm (3ft 3in).

You are on Parks and Gardens. Skip to the next section.

Parks and Gardens

• The park or garden does have footpaths.
• The path(s) has a / have compact earth, gravel and muddy surface(s).
• The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There are slight and moderate slopes on the paths.
• There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

You are on Outside Access (Discovery Centre). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Discovery Centre)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the main entrance on the left of the steps.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located leading up to the main entrance.
  • There is/are 18 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.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • 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 second lower handrail.

You are on Outside Access (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue on the basement level.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • 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) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm.

You are on Inside Access (The Discovery Centre). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (The Discovery Centre)

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • There is a conference room at the rear of the café that is available to hire. See photographs 3-10.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Discovery Centre). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Discovery Centre)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located on the first floor of the Discovery Centre.
• 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.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• No chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
• The standard height for tables is 75cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Takeaway cutlery is not available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• 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.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Discovery Centre). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Discovery Centre)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the discovery centre entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located just beyond the cafe.
  • 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 twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 240cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 10in).
  • 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 79cm (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 an emergency alarm.
  • 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 general domestic waste 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 47cm (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 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • 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 good.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (The Discovery Centre). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (The Discovery Centre)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located just beyond the café.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the discovery centre entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep (18cm+).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left as you enter the building.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are B-1.
• Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the basement entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm 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.
• 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.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.

You are on Outside Access (Rear Extension). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Rear Extension)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
• Comments View
  • There is a keypad to access this facility. The keypad is at a height of 100cm, the code can be acquired from any member of staff.

You are on Changing Places (Rear Extension). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Rear Extension)

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• Location and Access View
  • The facility is located at the rear of the building on the ground floor.
  • The facility is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the the rear extension entrance.
  • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
  • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
  • There is level access to the facility.
  • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall .
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • You do need a key for the facility.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from any member of staff.
  • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The width of the door is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the facility are 294cm x 396cm.
  • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
  • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
  • The facility has a non-slip floor.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
• Toilet Details View
  • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 157cm (5ft 2in).
  • Dropdown rails are provided.
  • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
  • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a spatula flush.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm.
  • The toilet has a cistern.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
  • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
  • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
• Other Facilities View
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
  • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
  • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
  • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 100cm.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is a/are sanitary, general domestic waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
  • There is not an emergency alarm for the facility.
  • There is a coat hook.
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 130cm from the floor.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Rear Extention). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Rear Extention)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the rear extension entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located within the rear extension at the rear of the building.
  • 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 inwards.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 290cm (5ft 1in x 9ft 6in).
  • 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, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
• 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 cannot 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 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 good.

You are on Standard Changing Room (Male(3) - Basement). Skip to the next section.

Standard Changing Room (Male(3) - Basement)

• There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
• The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the basement level main corridor.
• There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
• Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
• There is level access to the shower facilities.

You are on Standard Changing Room (Female(2) - Basement). Skip to the next section.

Standard Changing Room (Female(2) - Basement)

• There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the rear entrancer.
• The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the basement level main corridor.
• There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
• Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
• There is level access to the shower facilities.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Basement). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Basement)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the basement entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the building.
  • 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 twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
  • There is not 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • 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 alarm.
  • 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 sanitary and non-infectious waste 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 can 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • 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 good.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Basement). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Basement)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
  • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter the building, on the basement level.
  • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the basement entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
  • Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
• Comments View
  • There are 3 sets of shared standard toilets on the basement level.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
• This service cannot be requested.