You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

• The shopping centre is located in Maidstone Town Centre. Its boundaries are A229 Fairmeadow, which runs alongside the River Medway to the west, Earl Street, St Faith's Street and the pedestrianised Week Street.
• The shopping centre has its own multi-storey car park below the shopping level.
  The car park entrances are on A229 Fairmeadow and Earl Street.
  For Sat-Nav, the postcode ME14 1PS directs visitors to the Earl Street entrance.
• There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the shopping centre.
• The nearest bus stops are on Earl Street, close to the Fremlin Arch access point into the shopping centre.
  There is level access by lift to the shopping area from this entrance.
  The bus stops are served by routes 79, 101, 130, 155, B150 and 10X.
  There is also a bus stop on St Faith's Street, close to the ramped/stepped entrance into the shopping centre.
  This bus stop is served by routes 101, 130, 155, B150, and X1.
• For more information on planning bus journeys in Kent please click here (opens new tab).
• The nearest railway station is Maidstone East.
• Maidstone East Station is located approximately 270m (0.2 mile) north of the St Faith's Street entrance into the shopping centre.
  The station is served by Southeastern trains connecting London Victoria with Ashford International and Canterbury West stations.
  There is step-free access between each of the platforms and the street by separate entrances.
  Some of the routes are steep.
  Staff are available to assist with manual boarding ramps between the platform and the train.
  There is not step-free access to the ticket office.
  Accessible and standard toilets are available on platform 1.
• For more information on access and facilities at Maidstone East Station (National Rail) please click here (opens new tab).
• For more information on Southeastern Railway services please click here (opens new tab).
• There are a number of Community Transport schemes operating in the Maidstone Area. These provide access to a door-to-door bus or car service for people unable to use public transport. Please follow the link for more details.
• To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• Security officers receive Autism Awareness training.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language. Please phone the venue in advance for more information
• British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
• Guest Services Associates do receive training in escorting visually impaired people.
• Please contact the guest services team in advance by telephone or at the Centre Management Suite to arrange assistance.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• The Guest Room is located on the ground floor of the Centre Management Suite. It is located near to the toilets and the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street entrance. The Guest Room can be used as a place of safety, a quiet room or a place for baby feeding etc.
• The venue does not offer a quiet shopping experience.
• Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
• There are mobility aids available.
• The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
• To obtain mobility aids please contact staff at the Centre Management Suite.
• Wheelchairs can be booked in advance. Please telephone the centre for details.

You are on Approach (Earl Street). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Earl Street)

• The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
• The approach surface is uneven in places.

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• Comments View
  • There are two entrances to the shopping centre approached from Earl Street - the Fremlin Arch and adjacent to the Market House pub.
  • The street has a steep slope, so that the Fremlin Arch entrance is on level 2 (car park level) and the Market House entrance joins at level 4 (shopping level).
  • There is a pedestrian crossing on Earl Street close to the Fremlin Arch entrance.

You are on Access Point (Fremlin Arch - Earl Street). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Fremlin Arch - Earl Street)

• This information is for the access point located at the western end of Earl Street, opposite Pudding Lane.
• This access point gives access to level 2 of the car park, the Centre Management Suite, accessible and standard toilets and access by lift or stairs to the shopping area on level 4.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• This access point sign says 'Fremlin Walk'.
• There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
• There are bollards at this access point.
• The minimum width between the bollards is 170cm.

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• Access Point View
  • The bollards do not have an identification band to aid visually impaired people.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located after the archway.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

You are on Step(s) (Fremlin Arch - Earl Street Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (Fremlin Arch - Earl Street Stairs)

• There is a/are step(s) located after the Fremlin Arch access point, next to the car park.
• The step(s) is/are used to access street level and level 2 of the car park, level 3 of the car park and the shopping areas on level 4.
• There is/are 28 step(s).
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

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• Comments View
  • These stairs are overcome by the car park lifts.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in the lift lobby on levels 1 - 3 of the car park or off the main walkway of the shopping centre (level 4).
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
• There is 1 other lift in this location.
• The other lift has very similar/identical specifications.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3 and 4.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 200cm x 140cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is a list of floor services available within 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 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.

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• Comments View
  • Photographs 1 - 4 show the lift lobby on level 1 of the car park.
  • Photograph 6 shows the lift lobby on level 2.
  • Photographs 7 and 8 show the lifts on level 4 where they open out directly into the external shopping area.

You are on Access Point (Market House - Earl Street). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Market House - Earl Street)

• This information is for the access point located at the eastern end of Earl Street, next to the Market House pub.
• This access point gives access to the shopping area, known as level 4.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
• There are bollards at this access point.
• The minimum width between the bollards is 145cm.

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• Access Point View
  • The bollards do have an identification band to aid visually impaired people.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located after the bollards on Earl Street, leading up to the shopping area.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
• Comments View
  • There is a sign on an arch above the walkway which says 'Fremlin Walk' but this is not visible from Earl Street.
  • There is a single bollard midway along the footpath where it narrows.

You are on Approach (St Faith's Street). Skip to the next section.

Approach (St Faith's Street)

• The surface of the approach is block paving.
• The approach surface is uneven in places.

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• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient.
• Comments View
  • St Faith's Street has a steep uphill slope towards the east, including between the bus stop and the start of the ramp up to the shopping centre.
  • The pavement in this area is divided by a white line to indicate separate areas for cyclists and pedestrians.
  • There is tactile paving to indicate the red block paving is the cycle lane, but signage is inconsistent.
  • Pedestrians cross the cycle lane between the bus stop and the shopping centre.

You are on Access Point (St Faith's Street). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (St Faith's Street)

• This information is for the access point located on St Faith's Street, opposite Maidstone Museum.
• This access point gives access to the centre of the shopping area.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this access point.

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• Ramp/Slope View
  • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the shopping centre.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
• Step(s) View
  • The step(s) is/are located ahead as you face the ramp.
  • There is/are up to 15 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are 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.
• Comments View
  • The ramp is long and does not have intermediate landings.
  • The steps alongside the ramp taper where they meet the sloping ramp or street.
  • There is a separate flight of 20+ steps to the right as you face the shopping centre (as shown in photographs 5 and 6).
  • The ramps and steps arrive at a covered area, known as the 'bandstand'.
  • There are bench seats with armrests in this area (as shown in photographs 7 and 8).
  • From here there is a level walkway to the main shopping mall.

You are on Approach (Week Street). Skip to the next section.

Approach (Week Street)

• The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.

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• Approach View
  • There is step-free access on the approach.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
• Comments View
  • Week Street is pedestrianised, although there may be vehicles loading before 10:30 or after 17:30.
  • Where Week Street meets Earl Street there is a landmark column with a map of the shopping centre.
  • There is a circular bench seat around the column.
  • There are often market stalls and kiosks in this area.

You are on Access Point (Week Street). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Week Street)

• This information is for the access point located near to the junction of Week Street and Earl Street, opposite Marks and Spencer.
• This access point gives access to the eastern end of the shopping area.
• The access point is not clearly signed.
• There is step-free access at this access point.
• There are bollards at this access point.
• The minimum width between the bollards is 180cm.

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• Access Point View
  • The bollards do have an identification band to aid visually impaired people.
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
• Comments View
  • There was a temporary charity stall at the centre of this access point on the day of the survey.

You are on Outside Access (Centre Management Suite and The Guest Room). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Centre Management Suite and The Guest Room)

• This information is for the entrance located close to the Fremlin Arch access point from Earl Street and level 2 of the car park.
• This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Centre Management Suite for The Guest Room and the lift to the reception on the first floor.
• The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
• This entrance sign says 'Fremlin Walk Centre Management'.
• 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 intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
• The height of the intercom is 125cm (4ft 1in).
• The main 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 87cm.

You are on Room(s) (The Guest Room). Skip to the next section.

Room(s) (The Guest Room)

• The room surveyed was The Guest Room.
• The Guest Room is located on the ground floor of the Centre Management suite.
• There is not wayfinding signage for the room(s).
• Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
• The corridor 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 poor.
• The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
• There is step free access into the room(s).
• The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
• The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
• The door is easy to open.
• 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 some fixed furniture within the room(s).
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
• There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
• Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
• The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
• The lighting levels are good.
• This room is available to guests for time out or a safe quiet space and also for baby feeding.
  Please contact the office via the intercom at the Centre Management entrance for access.
  There is an armchair with footstool, a box of toys and a playmat.
  There is a fixed height examination couch (73cm high).
  The fold-down baby change table above this is 84cm high.
  A moveable privacy screen is available.
  The kitchen counter with sink is 94cm high.
  The wheelchairs available to borrow are stored in this room.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

• Stairs can be used to access other floors.
• The stairs are located immediately to the right from the Centre Management Suite entrance.
• The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
• There are 15+ steps between floors.
• The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not 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 the left going up.
• Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
• Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• Handrails are not 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 provided on landings.
• The lighting levels at the steps are good.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located immediately to the left from the entrance to the Centre Management Suite.
• The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Centre Management Suite entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 0, 1, 2 and 3.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
• The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 140cm (4ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
• There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.

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• Comments View
  • The Centre Management Suite is on the first floor.
  • All other areas are staff only.

You are on Reception (Centre Management). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Centre Management)

• The reception point is located on level 1 of the Centre Management Suite.
• The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
• Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the lift.
• There is step-free access to the reception point, via lift.
• 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 reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
• The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
• The height of the reception counter is 76cm .
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
• The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
• There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
• Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
• The following types of seating can be found in this area; chairs with armrests.
• There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s)

• There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) for public use.
• The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located opposite the entrance to the Centre Management Suite.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are not available.
• The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located opposite the entrance to the Centre Management Suite.

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• Comments View
  • There are staff only standard toilets in the Centre Management Suite.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre link (new tab) - click here
• Fremlin Walk Car Park link (new tab) - click here