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Fremlin Walk Shopping Centre

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.

Approach (Earl Street)

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

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.
  • 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.

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.

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.

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.
  • 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.

Approach (St Faith's Street)

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

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.
  • 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.

Approach (Week Street)

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

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.
  • 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.

External Area(s)

  • Digital wayfinders are not available.
  • Information posts are provided to aid wayfinding.
  • Wall mounted signs are provided to aid wayfinding.
  • This external area is partially covered.
  • The type of flooring in this area is stone/concrete paving.
  • The following types of seating can be found in this area; wooden benches.
  • There are some centrally located kiosks or shops along walkways in this area.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • Background music is not played in this area.
  • There is step free access in this area.
  • There is generally a very slight slope throughout the length of the shopping area.
    The paths adjacent to the shops on each side of the mall are level across their width.
    These areas are covered by a canopy.
    There are some areas where there is a steep slope across the width of the central area of the mall.
  • There are external steps which connect the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street access point, near to the Centre Management Suite and the toilets, with level 3 of the car park and the shopping area on level 4.
  • The lifts from levels 1 - 3 of the car park also give access from the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street access point to the shopping level (level 4).
    This lift overcome the stairs.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 - 3 show general views of Fremlin Walk, with the House of Fraser department store at its western end.
    • Where there are bench seats these are generally in line with large planters in the centre of the walkway (as shown in photograph 4), or against the wall (as show in photograph 5).
    • Signage includes free-standing maps and fingerpost signs (as shown in photographs 6 - 8).
    • There are a small number of cafés which have external seating areas.
    • These are enclosed by bollards with fabric panels in between.
    • The shops have level or sloped entrances, and most have automatic doors or doors which are held open.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Access to Shopping Area Accessible Toilet)

  • There is a ramp/slope located in the walkway from the shopping area, between Clintons, Pandora and a kiosk.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access an accessible toilet.
  • 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
  • Comments View
    • The ramp slopes up from the shopping area and then down to reach the toilet.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Fremlin Walk Shopping Area)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the eastern end of the shopping area, in a walkway between Clintons and Pandora.
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the accessible toilet.
    • Clear wayfinding signage for the toilet(s) is provided.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of the security or cleaning team.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 220cm (4ft 10in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a fixed cupboard.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 135cm and 160cm from the floor.
  • 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 left.
    • 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.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of 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 a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Earl Street Level)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located next to the Centre Management Suite at the level of the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street access point and level 2 of the car park.
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the accessible toilet.
    • Clear wayfinding signage for the toilet(s) is provided.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of the security or cleaning team or the Centre Management Suite opposite the toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 255cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 4in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 130cm and 175cm from the floor.
  • 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 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of 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 a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 83cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Accessible and Family Toilet - Level 2 - Earl Street Level)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located next to the Centre Management Suite at the level of the Fremlin Arch - Earl Street access point and level 2 of the car park.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible toilet.
    • Clear wayfinding signage for the toilet(s) is provided.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of security or cleaning team or the Centre Management Suite next to the toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 191cm x 335cm (6ft 3in x 10ft 12in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 130cm and 175cm from the floor.
  • 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 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Earl Street Level)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located opposite the Centre Management Suite, on level 2.
  • There is step-free access to the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal available in the male toilet(s).
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin available.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the larger family toilet cubicles in both the female and male standard toilets.
  • There is step-free access to the baby change facilities.
  • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).

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