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London Aquatics Centre

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, London, E20 2ZQ

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About this venue

The London Aquatics Centre is the most technologically advanced and stunning swimming facility in the world and home of the 2012 London Legacy. Visit the venue to experience the magic for yourself. Whether you're a novice swimmer or an experienced athlete, fancy a family swim or just want to look round the amazing architecture, everyone is welcome to visit the London Aquatics Centre.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a training pool, competition pool, creche, fitness suite and a cafe.
  • Related link Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
  • Comments View
    • The London Aquatics centre is located in the southern area of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. .
    • For more information about the access around the park see the park's access guide.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the area.
  • This venue is situated in Stratford.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Stratford.
  • The nearest underground station is Stratford International and Stratford.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest overground station is Stratford.
    • The nearest DLR station is Stratford International and Stratford.

Opening Times

  • Monday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Tuesday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Wednesday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Thursday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Friday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Saturday 06:00 - 22:30.
  • Sunday 06:00 - 22:30.

Parking (For London Aquatics Centre Customers Only)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • To obtain free Blue Badge parking, please scan the sign in the car park and enter your number plate, or report to reception.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 370cm x 600cm (12ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 120m (131yd 8in) 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 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 a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located at the front of the car park.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is for London Aquatics Centre Customers only.
    • During events the parking can be either limited or not available.
    • There is alternative parking available around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
    • Please view the park's access guide for more information.

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 doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 220cm (7ft 3in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open automatically.
    • The doors are double width.
    • The door opening is 220cm (7ft 3in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • There is a standard lift leading to the aquatics centre from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
    • Please see the park's access guide for more information.

Outside Access (Event Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 240cm (7ft 10in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open automatically.
    • The doors are double width.
    • The door opening is 240cm (7ft 10in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance is used for events and competitions taking place at the London Aquatics Centre.
    • This entrance gives level access to the designated seating around the competition pool.
    • There is a member of staff located at the entrance to provide assistance.

Reception

  • The desk is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • 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 the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in cetain areas, and depending on events.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • 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 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 42cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available on request.
  • 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 main meals and snacks.

Sports Ground (Competition Pool)

  • Non-Segregated Seating View
    • Wheelchair users have a designated accessible seating area.
    • There is level access to the designated seating area.
    • There is access by lift.
    • Wheelchair seating is located at the rear of the seating area.
    • The view from this area is good.
    • A companion can sit beside / near you.
    • Accessible toilets are available.
    • The closest accessible toilet to the seating area is 8m (8yd 2ft).
    • The accessible toilet is located close to the designated seating area.
  • Comments View
    • There are portable hearing loops available.

Swimming Pool (Competition 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 a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Swimming Pool (Training Pool)

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is a wet side chair available.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located to the right of the reception.
    • The fitness suite is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the reception.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open towards you (pull).
    • The doors are single.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 95cm wide.
  • IFI Accredited Fitness Suite View
    • IFI accredited equipment is available.
    • For example: upper body ergometer, leg curl, leg extension, and upper body multi-station.
    • IFI equipment includes Chest Press, Shoulder Press and Rowing Machines.
    • A portable hearing loop is available for induction.
    • Staff are trained to use the portable hearing loop.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.
  • Comments View
    • The fitness suite is awaiting IFI Accreditation.

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.
    • 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 along the corridor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the reception.
  • 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 160cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
  • 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Changing Places (Reception)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located just after reception.
    • The facility is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 260cm x 330cm (8ft 6in x 10ft 10in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • 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 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 65cm (2ft 2in).
    • Wall mounted 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 rails are on both sides.
    • The type of sink is fixed.
    • Wall mounted hand rails are available at the sink.
    • As you face the sink, rails are available on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are 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.

Changing Places (Training Pool Changing Village)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located at the side of the changing room.
    • The facility is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the training pool.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 335cm x 340cm (10ft 12in x 11ft 2in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • Wall mounted 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 rails are on both sides.
    • The type of sink is fixed.
    • Wall mounted hand rails are available at the sink.
    • As you face the sink, rails are available on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are 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.

Changing Places (Competition Pool Changing Village)

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located at the rear of the changing room.
    • The facility is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the competition pool.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 330cm x 350cm (10ft 10in x 11ft 6in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • Wall mounted 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 rails are on both sides.
    • The type of sink is fixed.
    • Wall mounted hand rails are available at the sink.
    • As you face the sink, rails are available on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change facility available within the changing place, which is 95cm in height.

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception)

  • 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located next to the reception.
    • 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not 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 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 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 poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar accessible toilets located next to the event designated seating area, in the male and female changing villages, next to the cafe and in the creche.

Toilet with Adaptations (Competition Pool Changing Village)

  • 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the competiton pool.
    • The accessible toilet is located at the side of the changing room.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 255cm (8ft 2in 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 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
    • 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 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 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in) high.
    • 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 poor.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet in the training pool changing village.

Accessible Shower (Competition Pool Changing Village)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The showers are located within 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.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible shower in the standard shower facilities in both the changing villages, and within the accessible toilet in the training pool changing village.

Standard Changing Room (Competition Pool)

  • There are standard changing rooms available.
  • The standard changing room is 88m (96yd 9in) from the reception.
  • The standard changing room is 70m (76yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the competition pool.
  • The standard changing rooms are located at the rear of the building.
  • There is level access to the standard changing rooms.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar changing room within the training pool changing village.

Standard Shower

  • There are standard level access shower facilities available.
  • The showers are located in the standard changing rooms.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There are accessible shower facilities available in the standard showers.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.