Skip to main content

The Link Thamesmead

Bazalgette Way, Thamesmead, London, SE2 9BS

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

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Created in the arches under the elevated roundabout in Harrow Manorway, The Link is a community hub containing facilities used for organised activities and which are also available to hire.
    • These include meeting rooms, IT facilities, rehearsal rooms and recording studio, dance/ performance studio and The Archway Youth Training Project,.
    • Other parts of the building (off the main corridor) are the bases for offices, meeting rooms and spaces for the Building Futures job search and support service. Please see their individual websites for further details.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • Opening times may vary or be extended according to the event programme.
    • Please see the centre website for more details.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Thamesmead.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Abbeywood.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The automatic sliding doors are powered by movement sensor from the outside and by push button to exit. The exit button is within reach of a wheelchair user.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.

Reception

  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.
  • Comments View
    • The portable induction loop can be used in other parts of the building if required.
    • There is lounge-type seating available in the foyer area.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in some areas, depending on activities.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • The Building Futures consultation desks are to the right of the main foyer (photographs 1 and 2).
    • There are public access computer terminals and vending machines in the social area in Arch A (photographs 3 and 4).
    • On the first floor there are training rooms and meeting rooms for hire (photographs 5 and 6), staff offices and further standard toilets.
    • There is Braille signage to doors throughout the venue.

Level Change (Main Corridor)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the foyer / cafe to the arch spaces.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • Although the corridor has an easy slope, it is a considerable distance to the furthest arches.

Other Floors (First Floor)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 22 steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.
  • Comments View
    • The lift overcomes the stairs.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the foyer, to the right of the reception desk.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 10m (32ft 10in) from 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 102cm x 150cm (3ft 4in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift controls do have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Outside Access (Arch Entrances)

  • This information is for the entrance located from the main corridor into arches B-E.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • Arch A opens directly off the foyer, beyond reception.
    • Each of the separate facilities within the other arches has its own entrance off the main corridor.
    • Each entrance is physically the same, but is boldly signed and coloured differently.

Arch B - Archway Project

  • This arch contains a motorbike repair and riding project.
  • The project also has IT training facilities.
  • Daytimes sessions are generally reserved for young people in partnership with their school.
  • There are also some evening sessions for groups and the general public.
  • Please contact the project for details.

Level Change (Arch C)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located after the entrance to Arch C.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up.

Arch C - Climbing Centre

  • This space contains a permanent climbing wall and other flexible climbing structures and equipment.
  • At the time of our visit (January 2017) the centre was looking for a new organisation to take over the management of the facilities, and the facilities were not in use.

Accessible Toilet (Arch C)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Arch C entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the climbing room.
    • There is level access to this 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 173cm x 250cm (5ft 8in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • 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 not a toilet roll holder.
    • 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).
  • 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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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
    • The 60cm transfer space is measured to the piece of stored furniture.
    • With the furniture removed the transfer space would be 105cm.

Arch D

  • This arch was designed to contain an IT suite, a sound-proofed rehearsal room that can also be used for general meetings and a recording studio.
  • At the time of surveying (January 2017) it was leased for full time use by a community church.
  • Arch D has its own accessible and standard toilets.

Accessible Toilet (Arch D)

  • 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 Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Arch D entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left of the corridor within Arch D.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 230cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 80cm (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 a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is not a push button style of alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 49cm (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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (Arch D)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The unisex toilets are located off the corridor within Arch D.
    • Unisex toilets are 5m (16ft 5in) from the Arch D Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the unisex toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard unisex toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Theatre (Arch E - The Studio)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in front of the bleacher seating.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit in the row immediately behind.
  • It is 30m (33yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The Studio comprises two rehearsal spaces which can be opened up into one large space when required.
    • There is bleacher seating for up to 160 people.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is in the main foyer, off the café.

Standard Changing Room (Arch E - The Studio)

  • There are standard changing rooms available.
  • The standard changing room is 4m (13ft 1in) from the Arch E entrance.
  • The standard changing room is 30m (33yd) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing rooms are located next the the entrance to Arch E.
  • There is level access to the standard changing rooms.
  • Comments View
    • This small unisex changing room off the studio is mainly used by children's groups.
    • There are separate male and female changing rooms with showers off the main foyer / café.

Standard Toilet(s) (Arch E - The Studio)

Accessible Toilet (Arch A)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you face reception.
    • There is level access to this 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 240cm x 255cm (7ft 10in x 8ft 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • 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.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a/are open waste paper bin and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • 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 not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • 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).
  • 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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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 medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • The accessible shower in the same room has been disconnected but the seat and grabrails remain as a changing facility.

Standard Changing Room (Arch A)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left as you face reception.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are not available within the changing room(s).

Standard Toilet(s) (Arch A)

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Additional Info

  • Staff do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available 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 normally on duty.