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Suffolk Archives (The Hold)

The Hold, 131 Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1LN

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Access Guide

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Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 16:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 16:00.

Location

  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Ipswich.
  • There is not a tram stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Front Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of The Hold.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 188cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 197cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • 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.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 13 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • 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.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of The Hold.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 194cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is a gate between the street and the entrance and is 233cm wide (shown in photograph 1).
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline between the street and the entrance (this is shown in photograph 3).

Reception (The Hold)

  • The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Front Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 19/01/2022.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Level Change (Front of The Hold to the rear)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located between the front of The Hold and the rear.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the left going up.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located between the front of The Hold and the rear.
  • There is/are 8 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Entrance (Suffolk Archives)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear left corner of The Hold.
  • Entrance View
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.

Reception (Suffolk Archives)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Suffolk Archives Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 19/01/2022.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Library (Suffolk Archives)

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is not an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A large text keyboard, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
  • Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifying glasses.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located in the front right corner of The Hold.
    • The facility is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Front Entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall .
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from The Hold reception.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 298cm x 446cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 122cm (4ft).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 59cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 188cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is no seat for the shower.
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the shower rails and wall.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available at the wash basin.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 107cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 87cm.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 104cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet (Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Rear Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the rear right corner of The Hold.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 The Hold reception.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is not push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 314cm (5ft 1in x 10ft 4in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, general domestic waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • 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 front and at the rear of The Hold.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Front or Rear Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within both the male and female ambulant cubicles.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Home visits / services are not available.