Access Guide
Getting Here
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By Road
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- From the M20 junction 10, take the A292/A2070 exit to Ashford/Brenzett/International Station/Designer Outlet.
At Lacton Interchange, take the fifth exit onto Hythe Road/A292.
Turn left onto Mabledon Avenue.
Turn left onto Essella Road and the venue is located on the right. - The venue has its own parking with 2 Blue Badge bays.
- From the M20 junction 10, take the A292/A2070 exit to Ashford/Brenzett/International Station/Designer Outlet.
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By Bus
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- There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is located on Madison Avenue.
- For more information on journey planning please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Ashford International.
- Ashford International Train Station is approximately 0.6 miles away.
- For more information on Ashford International Train Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Southeastern Railway please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Help and Assistance
- Ashford North Youth Centre please click here (new tab).
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille on request, large print on request, Makaton on request, different languages on request and audio on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
- There are not mobility aids available.
Community Centre
- Services/facilities provided include; youth services for young people and an access club for youths with disabilities.
There are different group activities tailored for specific needs. - Services/facilities within the building include staff offices, a kitchen, a large main hall, accessible and standard toilets, and individual rooms that can be used for classes, including an art room.
- Services / facilities within the grounds include the main Youth Hub Centre, parking facilities, a separate office and a gym room separate from the main building.
Parking
- The venue does have its own parking facilities.
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Parking
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- The car park is located off Essella Road.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park does not have a barrier control system.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 480cm.
- There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
- All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
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Paying
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- There are no parking charges for the car park.
- Parking is free for visitors of the venue.
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Access from the Car Park
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and concrete.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 8m from the youth hub entrance.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
Approach
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
- The approach surface is uneven in places.
- There is step-free access on the approach.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Outside Access (Youth Hub Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the south-west side of the building.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free 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.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 190cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Comments
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- There is a similar set of double doors that are manual, heavy, and open towards you.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building.
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and laminate.
- 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
Kitchen
- The kitchen is located at the south end of the main room.
- There is step-free access to the kitchen.
- There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- The width of the door opening is 85cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
- There is a dual height refreshment counter.
- The dual work surface heights are 76cm and 90cm.
- There is a work surface with a clear knee recess.
- There is not a height adjustable work surface.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
- There are chairs without armrests within the kitchen.
- Chairs are not permanently fixed.
- Vending machines are not available.
- Takeaway cups are not available.
- Drinking straws are not available.
- Lighting levels are good.
Room(s) (Arts Room)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was Arts Room.
- Arts Room is located opposite the kitchen, within the main room.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single (with an unlocked extension leaf).
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
- The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 70cm and 90cm.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is wood.
- There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is a work bench and sink at the rear of the room at 90cm high and with lever mixer taps.
Room(s) (Main Room)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was Main Room.
- Main Room is located straight ahead as you enter the youth hub entrance.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single.
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
- The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- This room has a television screen.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 80cm.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is laminate.
- There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- This venue was not open at the time of the survey, so the main room was used for some storage which would be cleared when reopened.
Room(s) (Family Room)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was Family Room.
- Family Room is located at the north-east end of the main room.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single (with an unlocked extension leaf).
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
- The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
Room(s) (Gym)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was Gym.
- Gym is located opposite the main youth hub building.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single.
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
- The door may be difficult for some to open.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is concrete.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Room(s) (Meeting Room)
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Access
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- The room surveyed was Meeting Room.
- Meeting Room is located opposite the main youth hub venue.
- There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
- Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- There is step-free access into the room(s).
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Room Details
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- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- The door(s) is/are single.
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
- The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- The height of the speaker's desk/table is 70cm.
- The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
- This room has a television screen.
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
- There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are some chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
- The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
- Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Accessible Toilet(s) (Youth Hub)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located opposite the youth hub entrance, within the main room.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the youth hub entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does not 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not 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 and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- 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 backrest and 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).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 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).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- 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).
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s) (Youth Hub)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
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- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite the youth hub entrance.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the youth hub entrance.
- There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is a lowered wash basin.
- The height of the lowered wash basin is 80cm.
- There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.