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The Vaults

Leake Street and Lancelot Street, London, SE1 7NN and SE1 7AD

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Access Guide

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Related London South Bank Venues (Leake Street Arches)

  • The Vaults is located along Leake Street Arches. For more information about Leake Street Arches please click on the access guide below.

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.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

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 (Leake Street Arches)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located along Leake Street Arches.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 380cm.

Outside Access (Launcelot Street)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Launcelot Street.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 300cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead after you enter from Leake Street Arches.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point 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 reception point are moderate to good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building.
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to halfway along the corridor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is concrete.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • 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.

Eating and Drinking (The Food One)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located to the right after you enter.
  • There is step-free access to the bar.
  • There is a/are double, light manual door(s) to access this area.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 85cm.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 55cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Comments View
    • The type of service and menus available will be depending on the event and use of the bar.
    • There is an additional bar and seating area located on the first floor, accessed by 15+ steps.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Food One)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left after you enter the bar.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 228cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 70cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a baby changing table.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 41cm (1ft 4in).
    • 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).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).

Standard Toilet(s) (The Food One)

  • 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 to the right after you enter.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Short Wet One, Long Wet One, The Bricky Room and The Mezzy Room)

  • Access to the Room View
    • Short Wet One, Long Wet One, The Bricky Room and The Mezzy Room are located either side of the main corridor as you enter from Leake Street Arches.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • 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.
    • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The layout and use of the rooms vary depending on the function and event taking place.
      The Mezzy Room has an upper level which is accessed by 15+ steps.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Big Black One)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The Big Black One is located at the rear of the corridor.
    • 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 upper and lower case 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.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • 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.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • The layout out of the room varies depending on the functions and events taking place.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Big Black One)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of The Big Black One.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 250cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the toilet.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).

Standard Toilet(s) (The Big Black One - Including Gender Neutral Toilet)

  • 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 at the rear of The Big Black One.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • The lowered urinal does not contrast visually with the wall.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Lucy's Room)

  • Access to the Room View
    • Lucy's Room is located at the rear of The Big Black One corridor.
    • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • 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 72cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The layout of the room varies depending on functions and events taking place.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Little White Room)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The Little White Room is located along the main corridor, just after The Big Black One.
    • 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 upper and lower case 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.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • Room Details View
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is Medium.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • The layout of the room varies depending on the function or event taking place.

Outside Access (Lancelot Street Entrance - The Vaults Theatre)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Lancelot Street.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.

Step(s) (Main Corridor to Seating Area and Rear of the Vaults Theatre Seating area)

  • There is a/are step(s) located along the main corridor.
  • There is/are 15+ step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (The Vaults)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The theatre area is located just beyond the foyer area.
    • There is step-free access to the Theatre Area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
    • The doors give access to at the front of the theatre (Row A).
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • This information refers to the Stalls.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
    • There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 45cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is varied.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) Row A.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located in the centre of the seats.
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • There is/are 15+ step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is good.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during screenings.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is designated seating available in this area.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located at the front of the seating next to Row A.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the screen from this seating area is good.
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
    • The number of wheelchair spaces vary depending on the performances.

Outside Access (Lancelot Street - The Smiths Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Lancelot Street.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 250cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (The Smiths One)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The Smiths One is located at the rear of the corridor.
    • 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 upper and lower case 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is Medium.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • The layout of the room varies depending on the function or event taking place.
      For some functions or events there is a bar, near to the entrance from Lancelot Street.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Smiths One)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the Vaults Theatre foyer.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 75cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 165cm x 200cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 140cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).

Standard Toilet(s) (The Smiths One)

  • 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 to the right after you enter from Lancelot Street.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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