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St John's Church - Crypt Level

Waterloo Road, London, SE1 8TY

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Access Guide

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Introduction - St John's Church

  • St John's Church is open to the public for church services, orchestra recitals, meetings and events.
  • There is step free access to the nave and church gardens which is free to use to members of the public.
  • All other areas such as The Old Crypt and the Crypt Level meeting/events rooms are to be booked in advance.

Related London South Bank Venues (St John's Church)

  • St John's Church Crypt Level is located on the lower ground floor of St John's Church.

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located in the church gardens.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • If a visitor needs a quiet space they are welcome to use the Lady Chapel, located to the rear right of The Nave.

South Bank Public Car Parks

  • This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
    For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
    South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Waterloo Road.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'ST JOHN'S at Waterloo'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 164cm.
    • 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 (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the opening is 171cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is an additional downwards slope in the entrance doorway. The gradient of the slope is 3-4 and there are no handrails.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the main entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Counter (Visitors Help Desk)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
    • The counter is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are low to moderate.
    • The height of the counter is 78cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The flooring is painted wood with a shiny finish that may appear slippery.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the counter.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are bench seats, tables and chairs without armrests available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.

Lift (Church Level to Crypt Level)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, C.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 106cm x 151cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Other Floors (Church Level to Crypt Level)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located inside St John's Church, to the left of the visitor help desk.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to enter the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, C.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Getting Around (Crypt Level)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
    • There is a slight slope, with no handrails, for access to the Crypt Level from the bottom of the staircase.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is bench seating and also a mixture of single seats with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • There is an events area located along the main corridor.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

The Old Crypt

  • This is an empty space used for exhibitions, events and religious ceremonies.
  • The Old Crypt is located immediately to the right as you exit the lift, approximately 2m from the lift.
  • There is step free access to The Old Crypt and also inside the crypt.
  • There is a single, manual door with a locked extension leaf to enter.
  • The door opens towards you, is heavy and 86cm wide.
  • The flooring in the crypt is vinyl and may appear slippery to some people.
  • The height of the light switches for the space is 123cm.
  • There is an additional entrance door to the right of the crypt, which is located 4m from the bottom of the staircase.
  • The door is single, opens towards you, is heavy and 86cm wide.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Kitchen

  • The kitchen is located on the Crypt Level, along the main corridor to the left.
  • There is step-free access to the kitchen.
  • There is a/are door(s) to access the kitchen.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door may be difficult for some to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the kitchen.
  • The height of the work surfaces are 91cm .
  • There is a dual height refreshment counter.
  • The dual work surface heights are 84cm and 91cm.
  • There is a work surface with a clear knee recess.
  • There is not a height adjustable work surface.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Vending machines are not available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Octavia Room)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was Octavia Room.
    • Octavia Room is located along the main corridor of the Crypt Level.
    • There is wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There are 2 similar meeting rooms available, the Jubilee Room and the Mendelssohn Room.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Bridge At Waterloo Room)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was The Bridge At Waterloo Room.
    • The Bridge At Waterloo Room is located along the main corridor of the Crypt Level.
    • There is wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This room is used for community activities such as English classes, Chess Club and Arts Club.

Room(s) (Goldfinch Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was Goldfinch Room.
    • Goldfinch Room is located along the main corridor of the Crypt Level.
    • There is not wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door may be difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are not between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 41cm.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • Furniture can be reconfigured to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This room is used as a therapy room.

Standard Shower (Shared)

  • The shower facilities are located at the rear of the main corridor, to the left next to the toilets.
  • The shower facilities are approximately 24m from the lift.
  • There is step-free access to the shower facilities.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the shower door.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
  • The contrast between the external door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The contrast between the internal door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The lighting is permanent.
  • There is a 20cm step into the shower cubicle.
  • The dimensions of the shower room are 115cm x 113cm. The height of the coat hook is 153cm. The height of the shower head is adjustable and the controls are lever.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the Crypt level, opposite the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 237cm x 279cm (7ft 9in x 9ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 163cm (5ft 4in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 155cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 91cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 51cm (1ft 8in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is good.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 79cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Shared)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located in the Forum, to the left before the main corridor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There are 6 standard shared toilets and 1 ambulant toilet cubicle in this area.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located to the rear of the main corridor on the left.
    • There is step-free access to the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 19m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There are 4 standard shared toilets and 1 shower cubicle in this area.

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