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Fremlin Walk Car Park

62 Earl Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1PS

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Access Guide

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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).

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.

Multi-Storey Car Park

  • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car park is located off Earl Street and the A229 Fairmeadow southbound carriageway.
  • The car park type is multi-storey.
  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height of the restriction barrier is 200cm (6ft 7in).
  • The car park does have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are located on all three levels of the car park.
  • There is a total of 760 parking bays in the car park of which 39 are designated for the use of Blue Badge holders.
  • There are parking charges for the car park.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • To see the parking charges please click here (opens new tab).
  • Payment machines are located in the lift lobby of the car park, on level 3 of the car park, on level 2 of the car park and on level 1 of the car park.
  • Payment machines are located on level 1 near the pedestrian exit to House of Fraser.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • The vehicle exit from the car park is onto St Faith's Street.

Reception (Car Park Office)

  • The reception point is located on level 1 of the car park.
  • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the vehicle and pedestrian access from Earl Street.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are 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 placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are low.
  • The height of the reception counter is 102cm .
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • The type of flooring in the reception area is concrete.
  • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • There is a microphone at the reception desk to assist with hearing the staff.
    • The parking office deals with parking queries such as lost tokens.

Multi-Storey Designated Parking Level (1)

  • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) on this level.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 490cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
  • There is a 120cm marked zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parent and Child Parking View
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available on this level.
  • Paying View
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in the lift lobby.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The pedestrian exit on this level gives access to the lifts to the shopping centre or to Earl Street, to the west of the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street access point.
    • The route to the pedestrian exit is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The pedestrian exit is clearly visible from the car park.
    • There are marked walkways on this level to make routes safer for pedestrians.
    • The surface on the approach to the pedestrian exit is tarmac.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 5m from the lift lobby.
    • Digital wayfinders are not available.

Car Park Pedestrian Exit (Earl Street)

  • This information is for the pedestrian exit located next to the vehicle entrance on Earl Street.
  • The pedestrian exit is not clearly signed.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this exit.
  • There are no doors at this exit.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located from the car park up to street level.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).

Car Park Pedestrian Exit (House of Fraser)

  • This information is for the pedestrian exit located on level 1, to the right of the parking office.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed with 'House of Fraser'.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this exit.
  • The exit door(s) does/do 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 176cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left and right of the exit doors.
    • 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 width of the ramp/slope is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
  • Comments View
    • This exit gives access only to direct lifts to the House of Fraser store on level 4.
    • There are similar pedestrian exits to this lift lobby on levels 2 and 3 of the car park.
    • On these floors there is level access to the doors.
    • The doors are light but may not be held open.

Car Park Pedestrian Exit (Level 1 to Lift Lobby and Stairs)

  • This information is for the pedestrian exit located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed with 'lifts and stairs to shops, level 1'.
  • There is step-free access at this exit.
  • The exit door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There are no doors at this exit.

Other Floors (Car Park Internal Stairs)

  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located to the left, off the lift lobby.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1 and 2.
  • 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 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a disabled refuge call point in the stair lobby on level 1.

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.
  • 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.

Multi-Storey Designated Parking Level (2)

  • There is/are 12 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) on this level.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 490cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
  • There is a 120cm marked zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
  • Parent and Child Parking View
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available on this level.
  • Paying View
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in the lift lobby and close to the exit into the shopping centre.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The pedestrian exit on this level gives access to the lift lobby, Centre Management Suite, the accessible and standard toilets and the Fremlin Arch access point to Earl Street.
    • The route to the pedestrian exit is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The pedestrian exit on this level can be accessed from the Blue Badge bays on this level without crossing the path of any moving vehicles.
    • The pedestrian exit is clearly visible from the car park.
    • There are marked walkways on this level to make routes safer for pedestrians.
    • The surface on the approach to the pedestrian exit is concrete.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 5m from the level 2 pedestrian exit.
    • Digital wayfinders are not available.

Car Park Pedestrian Exit (Level 2 to Lift Lobby and Earl Street)

  • This information is for the pedestrian exit located near to the Blue Badge parking bays.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed with 'Lift and stairs to shops, level 2'.
  • There is step-free access at this exit.
  • There are no doors at this exit.
  • There are bollards at this exit.
  • The minimum width between the bollards is 160cm.
  • Pedestrian Exit View
    • The bollards do not have an identification band to aid visually impaired people.
    • Digital wayfinders are not available.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 4 shows the view through the lift lobby and payment machine area towards the Fremlin Arch access point to Earl Street beyond.
    • The Centre Management Suite and toilets are signposted to the right before the archway.

Multi-Storey Designated Parking Level (3)

  • There is/are 11 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) on this level.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 240cm x 490cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
  • There is a 120cm marked zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
  • Parent and Child Parking View
    • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available on this level.
  • Paying View
    • Payment signs are provided.
    • Payment signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment signs are located at the payment machines in the car park.
    • Payment term signs do not make it clear if parking charges apply to Blue Badge holders.
    • Payment machines are located in the lift lobby.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The pedestrian exit on this level gives access to a midway landing on the stairs between Earl Street (level 2) and the shopping mall on level 4.
    • The route to the pedestrian exit is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The pedestrian exit on this level can be accessed from the Blue Badge bays on this level without crossing the path of any moving vehicles.
    • The pedestrian exit is clearly visible from the car park.
    • There are marked walkways on this level to make routes safer for pedestrians.
    • The surface on the approach to the pedestrian exit is concrete.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 5m from the level 3 pedestrian exit.
    • Digital wayfinders are not available.

Car Park Pedestrian Exit (Level 3 to Lift Lobby)

  • This information is for the pedestrian exit located near to the Blue Badge parking bays.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed.
  • The pedestrian exit is clearly signed with 'lift and stairs to shops, level 3'.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this exit.
  • There are no doors at this exit.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the lift lobby.
    • 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 lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low.

Car Park Pedestrian Exit (Level 3 Lift Lobby to Stairs)

  • This information is for the pedestrian exit located opposite the lifts in the level 3 lift lobby.
  • The pedestrian exit is not clearly signed.
  • There is stepped access at this exit.
  • The exit door(s) does/do 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 160cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the exit, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • This exit gives access only to a midway landing on the stairs connecting the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street access point on level 2 with the shopping area on level 4.
    • Once outside on the landing, there is clear directional signage.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located to the right as you exit the car park from the level 2 lift lobby.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located to the right as you exit the car park from the level 2 lift lobby.

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