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Rushden Lakes

Rushden Lakes, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 6FH

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • Rushden Lakes is located of the A45. The post code to use for Sat Nav is NN10 6AR which will take you towards Waitrose, then follow the signs to Rushden Lakes.
  • There is free car parking available for visitors for up to five hours.
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the shopping centre.
  • An extensive bus service runs between Rushden Lakes and surrounding villages and towns. This includes a number of bus routes from Wellingborough, Kettering, Northampton, Earls Barton and surrounding areas. There is a service seven days a week with early morning and late night buses.
  • For more information on Buses please click here (opens new tab).
  • The nearest railway station is Wellingborough.
  • The closest railway station to Rushden Lakes is Wellingborough and the address is Midland Road, Wellingborough NN8 1NA.
  • For more information on Wellingborough Station please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • The safe space is located in the Customer Services Centre.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • Rushden Lakes Shopping Park is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme.
  • We have a range of sunflower products in Customer Services for you to wear and keep should you need it. These include lanyards, wristbands, pin badges and ribbons. Our Centre Management team have all been trained to recognise the sunflower symbol and understand what this means as well as how we can support. We also have a number of stores that support the scheme too.
  • For more information please contact Customer Services on 01933 427 925.
  • You can hire a wheelchair or a scooter from Customer Services. They are free to use for up to three hours. All mobility equipment must be returned to Customer Services before 18:00 on the day of use. For more information please contact Customer Services on 01933 427 925.

Parking

  • The shopping centre does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 10+ designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 490cm x 595cm (16ft 1in x 19ft 6in).
  • There is a 120cm marked zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
  • Parking View
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • There are 105 accessible bays, which are located beside the current Blue Badge holder parking bays. They are purple bays and these are marked with a large white 'A'. They are intended for use by people who require a little extra space when getting in and out of their vehicle including parents with children, carers or people with temporary restrictions of movement.
      Accessible bays can be found outside Accessorize, Wildwood, Fat Face, Moss Bros, Boots, M&S, Next, New Look and House of Fraser and in the East Terrace car park outside Cotswold Outdoor, Hobbycraft, Decathlon. There are more accessible parking bays near the West Terrace.
      If you do have a Blue Badge, then continue to display it when you use these accessible bays the same way that you would do with a standard disabled parking bay.
    • Parking is free of charge however please note that we do have a five-hour parking restriction here at Rushden Lakes. This includes:
      Dedicated Blue Badge holder bays
      Dedicated parent and child bays
      Accessible bays for wheelchair users and people requiring additional space
      Parking bays for electric-car charging
      If you would like to extend your stay longer than five hours, please visit Customer Services (next to Costa Drive Thru) or speak to one of our friendly team, located in the Atrium, near Rock Up.
      Please note that after 5pm the free five-hour parking restriction does not apply. Overnight parking is not permitted. If you are planning to bring a Coach on site please let our Customer Services team know in advance so we can book this in and direct you to the appropriate area.
      ANPR is in operation. For more details please contact Customer Services on 01933 427 925.
  • Paying View
    • Parking is free for visitors of the venue.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are also 14 electric charging points throughout the car park and two of them are dedicated for Blue Badge holders.

Main Pedestrian Crossing(s)

  • Some of the pedestrian crossings have dropped kerbs on both sides. Some of the pedestrian crossings are level with the road. The pedestrian crossings have tactile paving on both sides. Some of the pedestrian crossing have bollards on one or both sides. The width between the bollards varies between 100cm to 120cm. The height of the bollards is 100cm. The bollards have clear identification band.
  • The surface of the road is tarmac.
  • Traffic is coming from both directions.

Outside Access (Customer Services)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Customer Services'.
  • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 135cm.

Reception (Customer Services)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the entrance.
    • 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 not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 23/09/2020.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

External Area(s) (North and South Walks)

  • Information posts are provided to aid wayfinding.
  • This external area is covered.
  • The type of flooring in this area is stone/concrete paving.
  • The following types of seating can be found in this area; stone seating.
  • Background music is not played in this area.
  • There is step free access in this area.

External Area(s) (East Terrace)

  • Information posts are provided to aid wayfinding.
  • This external area is covered.
  • The type of flooring in this area is stone/concrete paving.
  • The following types of seating can be found in this area; stone seating and wooden benches.
  • 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.

External Area(s) (Garden Square)

  • Information posts 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; chairs without armrests and wooden benches.
  • Background music is not played in this area.
  • There is step free access in this area.

External Area(s) (West Terrace)

  • Information posts 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; stone seating and wooden benches.
  • 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.

Outside Access (West Terrace Atrium)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance sign says 'Cineworld'.
  • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 205cm.

Internal Area(s) (West Terrace Atrium)

  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • There is some flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • The lighting levels are fair to good.
  • Background music is played in this area.
  • There is step free access in this area.

Other Floors (West Terrace - Atrium)

  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
  • 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.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
  • The escalator(s) is/are located ahead as you enter.
  • The escalator(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The escalators go both up and down.
  • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G and 1.
  • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
  • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
  • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.

Lift (West Terrace - Atrium)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right after you enter.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the 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 G and 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 140cm (5ft 3in 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 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

External Area(s) (Boardwalk)

  • Information posts are provided to aid wayfinding.
  • This external area is not covered.
  • The type of flooring in this area is wood and stone/concrete paving.
  • The following types of seating can be found in this area; stone seating, chairs without armrests and wooden benches.
  • Background music is not played in this area.
  • There is step free access in this area.
  • There is a slight slope or 12 clearly marked steps with handrails on both sides to access the Relaxation Zone. The surface of the flooring is artificial grass. There is a wooden tiered seating area and deck chairs available.

Outside Access (Boardwalk Toilets)

  • This information is for the entrance located next to the visitor centre.
  • 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the door opening is 95cm.

Changing Places

  • The facility is located to the right as you enter.
  • The facility is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the facility.
  • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
  • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • You do need a key for the facility.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from the toilet attendant.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the facility are 290cm x 350cm.
  • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
  • The facility has a non-slip floor.
  • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The facility toilet is corner.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • There is a/are dropdown rail(s) provided.
  • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
  • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
  • 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 toilet has a cistern.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
  • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • The type of wash basin is fixed.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
  • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
  • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
  • There is a mirror.
  • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • There is a/are female 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 a coat hook.
  • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located along the toilet corridor.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial 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 available.
  • The vertical and horizontal grab rails vary.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin available.
  • The height of the lowered wash basin is 91cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
  • 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 within the male and female 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.