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Dover Gateway

69-71 Castle Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1PD

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Access Guide

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Offices

  • Services/facilities available include; open plan office space(s), meeting room(s), kitchen(s) and conference room(s).
  • Services/facilities within the building include Accessible Toilet, Standard Toilets, Baby Changing Room, Changing Places, Advisor Pods, Advisor Counters, Advisor Rooms, Staff Offices, Staff Kitchen and Meeting Room.
  • There is a staff only corridor which has an accessible toilet, meeting room, staff office, kitchen and standard toilets.

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • 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, large print and different languages 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.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own parking facilities.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is parking available on Castle Street next to the venue in the form of pay and display on-street parking.
    • There are several Blue Badge and standard parking bays.
    • There is a car park around 65 metres from the venue on Stembrook.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, facing Castle Street.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance sign says 'Gateway'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 105cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Reception (Meet & Greet)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) 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 no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is high (110cm+) .
    • There is 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 75cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • Comments View
    • All visitors to the site must report to the Meet & Greet Reception.

Area(s) (Dover Gateway)

  • The facilities/services located on the ground floor include; the Meet & Greet Reception, Changing Places, Standard Toilets, Baby Changing Room, Advisor Pods, Advisor Counters, Advisor Rooms and PC Area..
  • There is step-free access throughout the building.
  • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the advisor pods, advisor counters and advisor rooms from the Meet & Greet Reception.
  • Photographs 4 and 5 show the ramp described in level change 1.
  • There are not doors in lobby areas/corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
  • Not all of the main walkway(s)/aisle(s) in the open plan office(s) are wide enough for wheelchair users to pass.
  • The following facilities in this area may not be accessible or usable for wheelchair users; meeting pods and offices.
  • The type of flooring in the open plan/communal areas is carpet and vinyl.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of areas.
  • There are no height adjustable desks in this area.
  • There are some desks which are potentially accessible for wheelchair users in this area.
  • Seating in this area includes; chairs with no armrests, chairs with wheels and armrests and chairs with armrests.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the floor/area.
  • There is no overhead signage in this area.
  • Dementia friendly signage is provided.
  • There is tactile signage on accessible toilet, standard toilet and meeting room doors in this area.
  • There is not background music in this area.
  • Comments View
    • There is a PC area on the right as you enter from the main entrance, opposite the Meet & Greet Reception.
    • The desks are at a height of 77cm in height and have height adjustable chairs with armrests (shown in photograph 2).

Standard Toilet(s) (Meet & Greet Reception Area)

  • 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 on the left as you enter, just after the Meet & Greet Reception seating.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is tactile and 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 not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Baby Changing Room - Meet & Greet Reception Area

  • The baby changing room is on the left as you enter, next to the Changing Places.
  • Access into the baby change room is by a single door.
  • The door opens towards you (pull), is heavy and has an opening width of 88cm.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • There is a baby changing table set against the wall that once opened is 84cm in height.
  • There is a sink at a height of 84cm.

Changing Places (Meet & Greet Reception Area)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located to the left as you enter, just beyond the Meet & Greet Reception Desk.
    • The facility is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access into the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Meet & Greet Reception.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 88cm.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 500cm x 245cm .
    • 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.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • 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 170cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 200cm.
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There are no vertical grab rails for the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a/an push button flush.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 120cm and 140cm when mounted.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 130cm.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 98cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are pedal bin and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Counter (Advisor Pods A and B)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located to the right after the Meet & Greet Reception.
    • The counter is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is low (76cm or lower) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
  • Waiting Area and Signage View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the counter.
  • Comments View
    • There are two advisor pods available which are A and B.

Counter (Advisor Counters 1-9)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located to the right as you enter, just after the Advisor Pods.
    • The counter is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is low (76cm or lower) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
  • Waiting Area and Signage View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the counter.
  • Comments View
    • Staff will meet you at the Meet & Greet Reception and escort you to the relevant desk.

Room(s) (Advisor Room 1)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Advisor Room 1.
    • Advisor Room 1 is located to the left as you enter, opposite the Advisor Counters.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is numerical signage for the room 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).
  • Room Details View
    • 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.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • 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 73cm.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • Furniture cannot be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
    • 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.

Room(s) (Advisor Room 2)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Advisor Room 2.
    • Advisor Room 2 is located to the left as you enter, opposite the Advisor Counters.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is numerical signage for the room 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).
  • Room Details View
    • 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 is easy to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • 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 73cm.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • Furniture cannot be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
    • 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.

Room(s) (Advisor Room 3)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Advisor Room 3.
    • Advisor Room 3 is located to the left as you enter, opposite the Advisor Counters.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is numerical signage for the room 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).
  • Room Details View
    • 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.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • 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 73cm.
    • 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.

Room(s) (Advisor Room 4)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Advisor Room 4.
    • Advisor Room 4 is located to the left as you enter, opposite the Advisor Counters.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is numerical signage for the room 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).
  • Room Details View
    • 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.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • 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 73cm.
    • 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.

Room(s) (Advisor Room 5)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Advisor Room 5.
    • Advisor Room 5 is located to the left as you enter, opposite the Advisor Counters.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
    • There is numerical signage for the room 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).
  • Room Details View
    • 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.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • 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 73cm.
    • 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 vinyl.
    • 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.