Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Bluewater - Upper Mall

Bluewater, Greenhithe, DA9 9ST

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

Overview

  • About View
    • This is a mostly indoor shopping centre with some outdoor areas.
    • Outdoor areas are partially sheltered.
    • The shopping centre has a lower and upper mall.
    • Access between floors is via lift, stairs and escalators.
    • There a customer/guest information point available.
    • The information point is located on the Lower Mall, within Moon Court (by Marks and Spencer), between the Rose Gallery and Thames Walk.
    • The information point does not have a hearing assistance system.
    • A play area for children is available.
    • The play area is located outside the Winter Garden, with an additional, smaller play area outside The Village.
    • The play area does not have any equipment with adaptations.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
    • The shopping centre has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
    • There are 6 car parks in total and 6 have Blue Badge parking available.
    • Some car parks with Blue Badge parking have step-free level access to the shopping centre.
    • Other car parks have step-free access to the shopping centre via slope or ramp.
    • There is a drop-off point and a taxi rank.
    • The nearest train station is Greenhithe for Bluewater.
    • This station has step-free access.
    • The nearest bus station is Bluewater.
    • This bus station has step-free access.
    • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • Seating is available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair, a mobility scooter and walking aids.
    • View more information on borrowing or hiring equipment (opens new tab).
    • This venue offers a quiet shopping experience.
    • Quiet Hours are provided on Monday - Friday from 10:00 - 12:00, during which the volume of background music in the centre is reduced and lighting levels are lowered. Please note that this only applies to the communal areas of the shopping centre and not to the individual businesses operating within it.
    • British Sign Language can be provided virtually.
    • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print (on request).
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • View shopping centre information on getting assistance (opens new tab).

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 21 toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations are located in the Lower Guildhall, in the Lower Rose Gallery, within the Winter Garden area, in the Upper Guildhall, in the Upper Rose Gallery, and in Upper Thames Walk.
    • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard male and female toilets located in the Upper Rose Gallery, and within the standard male and female toilets located on Upper Thames Walk.
    • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the Lower Guildhall, in the Lower Rose Gallery, in the Upper Guildhall, in the Upper Rose Gallery, and in Upper Thames Walk.
  • Changing Places Facilities View
    • Changing Places facilities are located in Lower Thames Walk, and in the Lower Guildhall.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the family toilet in the Lower Guildhall, within the family rooms in the Lower Rose Gallery, within the toilets with adaptions and family toilets in the Upper Guildhall; within the family toilets in the Upper Rose Gallery, within the toilets with adaptations and family toilets in Upper Thames Walk.

Parking (Thames Walk - Blue)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front right of the Thames Walk area of the shopping centre, between Marks and Spencer and NEXT.
    • The car park is open air/surface, multi-storey and sheltered.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 220cm.
    • There are 80 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 269cm (width) x 502cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The nearest designated bay is 22m from the Thames Walk Car Park Lower Level entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • This route has bollards.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • There is a steep slope on the route from the Blue Badge bays to the Thames Walk Car Park Middle Level entrance.
    • There is a very easy slope on the route from the Blue Badge bays to the Thames Walk Car Park Upper Level entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • There are 12 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 275cm (width) x 458cm (depth).
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • You do not need an online account to use the charging point.
    • Payment can be made with a credit/debit card (contactless), with a membership/loyalty card (contactless) and via an app.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Parking (Plaza - Yellow)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front left of the Thames Walk area of the shopping centre, between Marks and Spencer and NEXT.
    • The car park is open air/surface, multi-storey and sheltered.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 220cm.
    • There are 135 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 270cm (width) x 484cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The nearest designated bay is 29m from the Plaza Car Park Lower Level entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • This route has bollards.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • There is a slight slope on the route from the Blue Badge bays to the Plaza Car Park Middle Level entrance.
    • There is a very slight slope on the route from the Blue Badge bays to the Plaza Car Park Upper Level entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • There are 17 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 310cm (width) x 414cm (depth).
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • An online account is required to use the charging point.
    • Payment can be made via an app.
    • The EV charging bays in the Plaza Car Park are Tesla superchargers, for Tesla vehicles only.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Parking (Guildhall - Pink)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the Guildhall area of the shopping centre, between NEXT and John Lewis.
    • The car park is open air/surface, multi-storey and sheltered.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 220cm.
    • There are 57 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 235cm (width) x 501cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the Guildhall Car Park Lower Level entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • This route has bollards.
    • There is a very easy slope on the route from the EV charging bays, including the Blue Badge EV charging bay, to the Guildhall Car Park Middle Level entrance.
    • There is a very easy slope on the route from the Blue Badge bays to the Guildhall Car Park Upper Level entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 1 electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay designated for Blue Badge holders are 270cm (width) x 503cm (depth).
    • The controls for the Blue Badge charging points are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster for the Blue Badge charging points is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • You do not need an online account to use the charging point.
    • Payment can be made with a credit/debit card (contactless), with a membership/loyalty card (contactless) and via an app.
    • The nearest Blue Badge charging point is 10m from the Guildhall Car Park Middle Level entrance.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Parking (Rose Gallery - Green)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the Rose Gallery area of the shopping centre, between John Lewis and Marks and Spencer.
    • The car park is open air/surface, multi-storey and sheltered.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and concrete.
    • The height of the restriction barrier is 220cm.
    • There are 64 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 253cm (width) x 495cm (depth).
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the Rose Gallery Car Park Lower Level entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • This route has bollards.
    • There is a very easy slope on the route from the car park to the Rose Gallery Car Park Middle Level entrance.
    • There is a very easy slope on the route from the Blue Badge bays to the Rose Gallery Car Park Upper Level entrance.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Getting Inside (Upper Mall)

  • The approach to the building is step-free and level.
  • The most accessible approaches to the Upper Mall of the shopping centre are via a very easy slope (in the case of the Plaza Car Park Middle and Upper Level entrances, Thames Walk Car Park Middle and Upper Level entrances, Rose Gallery Car Park Upper Level entrance, and Guildhall Car Park Upper Level entrance).
    There is a steep slope on the approach to the Guildhall Car Park Middle Level entrance and Rose Gallery Car Park Middle Level Entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance surveyed was the Plaza Car Park Upper Level entrance.
  • This entrance gives access to Upper Thames Walk, between Marks and Spencer and NEXT.
  • There is step-free access via a slight slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is no main entrance for the building.
  • There are 7 other entrances.
  • 5 of the other entrances have step-free access via slope.
  • 2 of the other entrances have stepped access.

Entrance (Plaza Car Park Upper Level)

  • This entrance is located on the Upper Mall at Thames Walk, between Marks and Spencer and NEXT.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope or ramp at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 201cm.
  • The doors have a low colour contrast.
  • There is step-free access via a slope as you enter.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.

Getting Around (Upper Mall)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors to open along circulation routes.
    • Access throughout may include permanent physical obstructions and moveable physical obstructions.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
    • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • There is background noise.
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
    • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Guildhall - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the Upper Guildhall, by the Guildhall Car Park entrances.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is Braille, pictorial, written text and 'Not All Disabilities Are Visible' signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a medium colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 209cm (width) x 293cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 134cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a wall sensor flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 91cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 76cm from the floor.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the right side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 93cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 115cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 86cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Thames Walk)

  • The room is located on Upper Thames Walk, to the right and then right again as you exit the Thames Walk - Plaza Car Park entrance lift.
  • The distance from the Thames Walk - Plaza Car Park entrance lift is 13m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single automatic door, which is push pad activated.
  • The height of the push pad is 96cm.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a high colour contrast.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 93cm.
  • There is also a wash basin, a paper towel dispenser and a mirror in the room.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The room has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
  • Seating available in this room includes: armchairs.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift (Thames Walk - Plaza Car Park Entrances)

  • The lift surveyed is located on Lower Thames Walk, on the left as you enter the shopping centre through the Plaza Car Park Lower Level entrance.
  • The distance from the Plaza Car Park Lower Level entrance is 46m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • Standard Lift View
    • The Lower Mall and Upper Mall can be accessed by this lift.
    • The lift door has a medium colour contrast.
    • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
    • The weight limit for the lift is 2000kg.
    • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
    • None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The lift door opening width is 130cm.
    • The internal dimensions of the lift are 203cm (width) x 168cm (depth).
    • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
    • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
    • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a mirror to aid reversing.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Escalators (Thames Walk - Plaza Car Park Entrances)

  • The escalators surveyed are located on Lower Thames Walk, straight ahead and then on the right as you enter the shopping centre through the Plaza Car Park Lower Level entrance.
  • The Lower Mall and Upper Mall can be accessed by escalator.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are clearly marked.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There is a bollard at the base of the escalator, which is not clearly marked and has a low colour contrast with the surrounding flooring.

Stairs (Thames Walk - Plaza Car Park Entrances)

  • The stairs are located on Lower Thames Walk, straight ahead as you enter the shopping centre through the Plaza Car Park Lower Level entrance.
  • The Lower Mall and Upper Mall can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.