Skip to main content

Abbey Leisure Centre

Bobby Moore Way, Barking, Essex, IG11 7HW

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.


About this venue

Check out our two swimming pools in which our award-winning swimming lessons are held, while our 140-station gym has all the equipment you could need to help you reach your fitness goals. Meanwhile, we also have three group exercise studios that play host to a huge range of sessions designed to meet all needs. On site, we also have a spa, alongside a fantastic soft play area and a cafe too.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a swimming pool, a fitness suite, Idol cafe, a play area and studios.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Barking.
  • The nearest underground station is Upney.
  • There is not a tram stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Opening Times

  • Monday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Tuesday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Wednesday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Thursday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Friday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Saturday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Sunday 06:30 - 22:30.
  • Comments View
    • The opening times can vary depending on the service within the leisure centre.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 137cm.
    • 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception

  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is an accessible gate which can be used to overcome the turnstiles at reception. The gate is 90cm wide.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the reception area, fitness suite, the Idol cafe and the swimming pools.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • The background music can be turned off by request.
    • There is an accessible gate which can be used to overcome the turnstiles at reception. The gate is 90cm wide.

The Abbey Spa

  • There is a relaxation area at the rear of the spa to the right of the reception desk.
  • There are also a number of further facilities which include: 3 treatment rooms named Saphire, Qartz and Moonshine, A shower room, 2 steam rooms, 2 saunas and a hydro pool with 4 steps which have handrails on both sides.

Reception (Spa)

  • The desk is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Eating and Drinking (Idol)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • 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 a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 75cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 90cm wide accessible gate into the cafe area.
    • There is a childrens soft play area.

Swimming Pool (Main Pool)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is a wet side chair available.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 6 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.
  • Comments View
    • There are pool pods available to access the swimming pool at the shallow and deep ends.

Swimming Pool (Teaching Pool)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is not a wet side chair available.
  • There is not a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 4 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is not a ladder type entrance into the water.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the reception in the main foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 138cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor.
    • The fitness suite is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • Level access is by lift.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors are double.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 164cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes a top cycle machine, a core machine, a multi gym and free weights.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is not level access to all of the equipment.

Level Change (Free Weights)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located at the side of the fitness suite.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located wetside changing area.
    • The facility is 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is not push pad activated.
    • The width of the door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 302cm x 415cm (9ft 11in x 13ft 7in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the bench is 188cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 257cm (8ft 5in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rails are on both sides.
    • The type of sink is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted hand rails are available at the sink.
    • As you face the sink, rails are available on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
    • It is not a push button style alarm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the Idol cafe standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • There are standard toilets in the wetside changing room, fitness suite changing room, Idol Cafe and on the first floor.
    • There is an ambulant cubicle in each standard toilet.

Standard Changing Room (Wetside)

  • There are standard changing rooms available.
  • The standard changing room is 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room is 2m (2yd 7in) from the swimming pool.
  • The standard changing rooms are located to the right of the reception in the main foyer.
  • There is level access to the standard changing rooms.
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is not level access to the shower facilities.
  • The shower cubicle(s) / area is / are accessed via an easy slope / ramp.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar facilities in the fitness suite changing rooms.

Accessible Toilet (Reception)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • The accessible toilet cubicle was being used for storage at the time of the survey.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 194cm (4ft 12in x 6ft 4in).
    • 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 in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • It is not a push button style of alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The towel dispenser is 105cm (3ft 5in) high.
    • 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 toilet roll holder is 120cm (3ft 11in) high.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink 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 grab rails 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet in the wet side changing rooms.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor Landing)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 206cm x 266cm (6ft 9in x 8ft 9in).
    • 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 177cm (5ft 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 in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • 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 48cm (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 can 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 toilet roll holder is 120cm (3ft 11in) high.
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink 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 grab rails and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet with the lateral transfer space on the right in the spa and the wetside changing room.

Accessible Shower (First Floor Landing)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The showers are located in the accessible toilet.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 47cm (1ft 7in).
  • Other facilities available are drop down rails, an alarm (but it was tied up at the time of surveying) and a dry flip down seat.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There are 5 similar accessible showers available in the standard changing rooms.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • 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 generally on duty.