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Sapphire and Ice Leisure Centre

24 Western Road, Romford, London, RM1 3JT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a fitness suite, exercise studios, ice rink, swimming pools and 2 cafés.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Romford.
  • The nearest underground station is Elm Park.

Opening Hours

Parking (Blue Badge Holders)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 400cm x 500cm (13ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is strictly for Blue Badge holders only.
    • There are two public car parks located within 100m of the building.
    • One is located directly opposite.
    • The other is located to the right of the venue, on Slaney Road.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 158cm (5ft 2in).

Reception (Main)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • At both sides of the reception desk, there are security barriers to access the rest of the building.
    • Both the gate and the turnstyle are either opened by a swipe card or by the receptionist.
    • The gate has a width of 100cm and the turnstyle barrier has a width of 54cm.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the building.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located on the right hand side as you enter the building.
  • 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 not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 not available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • 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.

Swimming 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 is not a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • There is a pool platform lift for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • There are not steps into the swimming pool.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Standard Changing Room (Swimming Pool - Unisex)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the swimming pool.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the rear left hand side of the ground floor.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.

Accessible Changing Room (Swimming Pool)

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located at the far end of the changing rooms.
  • The facility is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 250cm x 310cm (8ft 2in x 10ft 2in).
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • 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.
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The tap type is twist/turn.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a locker within the accessible changing room.
  • There is not a changing bench.
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).

Changing Places (Swimming Pool)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located at the far end of the swimming pool changing rooms.
    • The facility is approximately 80m (87yd 1ft) 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 inwards.
    • The width of the door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 340cm x 620cm (11ft 2in x 20ft 4in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 186cm (6ft 1in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • 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 bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left hand side of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The lift is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) 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 120cm x 240cm (3ft 11in x 7ft 10in).
  • There are 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 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor.
    • The fitness suite is 8m (8yd 2ft) 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 open away from you (push).
    • The doors are double.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 160cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes free weights.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Standard Changing Room (Fitness Suite - Male)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the fitness suite.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located within the fitness suite, on the left hand side as you enter.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • The female changing room is located to the right hand side of this one.

Reception (Second Floor - Ice Rink / Skate Hire)

  • The desk/counter is 14m (15yd 11in) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Ice Rink and Viewing Area

  • The rink is located on the second floor of the building.
  • It is open for the public to use and also available for private use.
  • There is a 90cm door that allows access onto the ice.
  • The door is heavy and permanently held open when the rink is in use.
  • There is 1 shallow step at this entrance.
  • The viewing area is located on both sides of the ice rink and it is free to sit and watch whilst family or friends are on the ice.
  • There are designated wheelchair viewing areas located at the rear of the viewing area and can be accessed via the lift.
  • There are medium steps leading up to the tiered seating.
  • The steps are clearly marked.

Eating and Drinking (Ice Rink Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located on the second floor, to the right hand side as you exit the lift.
  • 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 not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall 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.

Standard Changing Room (Ice Rink - Unisex)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the lift.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 36m (39yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the ice rink.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located in the corridor to the left of the ice rink, below the ice rink viewing area, on the second floor.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • These changing rooms can be opened to the public if required, however they are mainly for private use by the home ice hockey team.

Accessible Toilet (Main Reception)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile, pictorial and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the end of the corridor, to the right of the reception desk.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 250cm (4ft 11in 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 right.
    • 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 twist/turn.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not 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 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 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 not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 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.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor Café)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is 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 right hand side of the café.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 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 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.
  • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).

Accessible Toilet (Second Floor - Ice Rink)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial, Braille and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located directly ahead as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 400cm (7ft 3in x 13ft 1in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 110cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 70cm.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot 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
    • There is a second accessible toilet located next to this one which also meets all requirements.

Accessible Toilet (Third Floor - Ice Rink Viewing Area)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, Braille and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the right hand side as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 260cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 6in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 47cm (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 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 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (Main Reception)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • 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 in the corridor to the right of the reception desk.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s) (Swimming Pool)

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Café)

Standard Toilet(s) (Second Floor - Ice Rink)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • 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 in the corridor to the left of the ice rink.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Additional Info

  • Staff do not receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available 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.