You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact guest services.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

• Braintree Village is located to the south east of Braintree, just off the B1018.
• Braintree Village has 2 car parks located to the north and south of the shopping village.
  Free parking is available to all Braintree Village Shoppers, with 1,500 spaces available.
• There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the shopping centre.
• For more information on bus times please click here (opens new tab).
• The nearest railway station is Braintree Freeport.
• Braintree Freeport station is approximately 322ft from the shopping village.
• For more information on Greater Anglia please click here (opens new tab).
• For more information on National Rail - Braintree Freeport please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Braintree Freeport Station to South Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Braintree Freeport Station to South Entrance

• After departing the train at Braintree Freeport Station, there is a long slight slope or 15 plus steps leading from the station to the path for Braintree Village.
• The surface of the slope is tarmac.
• There are handrails to the right as you go up the slope.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• At the top of slope/steps there is clear directional signage to the south entrance of Braintree Village.
• There is step-free access along the path to the entrance.
• The route crosses the access road.
• At the crossing point there is a pedestrian crossing with dropped kerbs and tactile paving on both sides.
• Caution is advised when crossing due to oncoming traffic.
• The surface of the path varies from tarmac and block paving.
• Along the route the width of the path is reduced in places due to bus stops, plant boxes and bollards.

You are on Braintree Village Parking. Skip to the next section.

Braintree Village Parking

• For information on parking in the North Car Park please click here (opens in new tab)
• For information on parking in the South Car Park please click here (opens in new tab).

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

Outside Access (North Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off the North Car Park.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'SHOP & DINE THIS WAY'.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • There are bollards at this entrance.
  • The minimum width between the bollards is 115cm.
  • The height of the bollard(s) is 78cm.
  • The bollards do not have an identification band to aid visually impaired people.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading from the car park into the shopping area.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.

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

Outside Access (South Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the south side of the shopping village.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Braintree Village'.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • There are bollards at this entrance.
  • The minimum width between the bollards is 132cm.
  • The height of the bollard(s) is 101cm.
  • The bollards do have an identification band to aid visually impaired people.
  • There is not a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance and beyond the bollards.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

You are on External Area(s) (Shopping). Skip to the next section.

External Area(s) (Shopping)

• Wall mounted signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
• This external area is not covered.
• The type of flooring in this area is stone/concrete paving.
• The following types of seating can be found in this area; wooden benches and metal benches.
• Physical maps are available from Guest Services.
• There are some centrally located kiosks or shops along walkways in this area.
• There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
• Background music is not played in this area.
• There is step free access in this area.
• The north, south and central walkways have a long slight slope leading from the top to the bottom of the walkways.
  Some of the shops along these walkways have a terraced area, which provides step-free access to the shops.
  The terrace areas have steps along the side of them, however, these can be overcome by using the step-free access at the end of the terrace.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (next to Guest Services - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (next to Guest Services - Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of Guest Services.
  • There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
  • Clear wayfinding signage for the toilet(s) is provided.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 202cm x 190cm (6ft 8in x 6ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 142cm (4ft 8in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by the female sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is not 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.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 108cm and 142cm from the floor.
• Position of Fixtures View
  • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is a shelf next to the toilet.
  • The shelf is not between 90cm and 100cm.
  • The toilet has a lid.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • There 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 do not 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 100cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
  • The lighting levels are good.

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

Standard Toilet(s) (next to Guest Services)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.
• The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of the Guest Services.
• There is step-free access to the female and male toilet(s).
• There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
• There is not a lowered urinal available in the male toilet(s).
• An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
• There is not a lowered wash basin available.
• The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
• Lighting levels are low.

You are on Parent and Baby Room (next to Guest Services). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room (next to Guest Services)

• There is a parent and baby room for public use.
• The parent and baby room is located at the rear of Guest Services.
• There is step-free access to the parent and baby room.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
• The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
• The baby change table is not height adjustable.
• The height of the baby change table once extended is 105cm (3ft 5in).
• There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
• There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
• The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
• The wash basin tap type is push.
• There is a/are chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a chair with armrests on both sides.
• There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• The lighting levels are low.

You are on Changing Places (Upper Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Upper Toilets)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located at the rear of Pret A Manager (unit 65 on the map).
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has steep ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 485cm (width) x 280cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however they are obstructed.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 345cm.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 99cm.
  • There is a spatula flush on the right transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 73cm from the floor.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 78cm from the floor.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
  • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 99cm.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Toilets - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Toilets - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located at the rear of Pret A Manager (unit 65 on the map).
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has steep ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hooks are 108cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Standard Toilet Facilities (Upper Toilets). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet Facilities (Upper Toilets)

• The male and female standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
• The toilets are located at the rear of Pret A Manager (unit 65 on the map).
• The most accessible route has steep ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access .
• There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• The width of the door opening is 76cm.
• There are ambulant toilet facilities available.
• The ambulant cubicle has horizontal grab rails on both sides and a vertical grab rail on the left.
• There is a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a hand dryer available.
• The wash basin has a sensor tap.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Upper Toilets - Family Room). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Upper Toilets - Family Room)

• The room surveyed is located at the rear of Pret A Manager (unit 65 on the map).
• The most accessible route to the room has steep ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
• The width of the door opening is 78cm.
• Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 98cm.
• There is a toilet, a wash basin, a hand dryer, a paper towel dispenser and a mirror in the room.
• The wash basin has a sensor tap.
• The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
• The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Related Access Guides (Braintree Village). Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides (Braintree Village)

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Braintree Village - Guest Information Services link (new tab) - click here.