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Balham Leisure Centre

Elmfield Road, Balham, London, SW17 8AN

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the gym, first floor and the changing village.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors and narrow walkways.
    • The ground and first floors can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
    • There is not a toilet with adaptations available.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet facilities are located on the first floor.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The changing facilities which have adaptations are located on the ground floor, at the rear of the building.
    • Standard changing facilities are located on the ground floor, straight ahead past reception.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the changing room with adaptations.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located on the ground floor, straight ahead past reception.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the right of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 244cm (width) x 434cm (depth).
    • There are no hatched/marked zones.
    • The nearest designated bay is 3m from the entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a very easy slope.
    • There is no dropped kerb from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 133cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 152cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the left after the entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 2m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 138cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 92cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and armchairs.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • There are security barriers which are operated by key card.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the gym, first floor and the changing village.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors and narrow walkways.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Changing Room with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Family Change 1 / Accessible Change)

  • Location and Access View
    • The changing room surveyed is located on the ground floor, at the rear of the building.
    • The most accessible route to the changing room has steps and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the changing room.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
    • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • Facilities available in the changing room include: a changing table/bench.
    • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).

Pool

  • This is an indoor swimming pool.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the bench seating.
  • Access throughout this area may include slippery surfaces.
  • Seating available around the pool includes: benches.
  • There is background noise.
  • There is an emergency alarm at poolside.
  • Access into the water is via a ladder or steps.
  • There are 8 steps which are unmarked with handrails on both sides.
  • The pool is staffed at all times.
  • The following adaptations are available for disabled people: hydraulic hoist.

Gym

  • The gym is located on the ground floor, to the rear right of the building.
  • There is stepped access into the gym.
  • There is 1 step which is clearly marked .
  • There is a single manual door which opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 78cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights, cable resistance machines, upper body machines where fixed seats can be removed and arm cycles.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • To get to the gym, you have to go up a staircase and then down one to access the other side of the building.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right after the entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 1m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground and first floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 108cm (width) x 139cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the right after the entrance.
  • The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 13 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Outdoor Spaces

  • The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment.
  • Outdoor areas consist of loose chippings.
  • There are footpaths in some areas.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • The following areas have stepped access: access into the play area.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • Playground View
    • There is a route around the play equipment which is not firm and even, but is over 150cm wide.
    • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
    • The following play experiences are available: sliding, rocking and climbing.