You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a children's library and adult library, a cafe, museum exhibitions, study spaces and council services.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The name of the nearest car park is Crescent Road Car Park.
  • View information on Crescent Road Car Park (opens new tab).
  • There is on-street Blue Badge Bay parking.
  • The nearest train station is Tunbridge Wells.
  • This station has step-free access.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
  • There are 2 other entrances.
  • 2 of the other entrances have step-free access via ramp.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the 'Look Behind the Scenes' exhibition space and the first floor library seating area.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: the children's library and cafe on the ground floor.
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include pillars.
  • the first floor can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
  • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • The designated safe space is located in the meeting room on the ground floor.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille (on request), large print, different languages and audio.
  • Sensory Backpacks are available in the reception foyer and are free to borrow for both children and adults.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located on the ground and first floors.
  • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors.
  • Shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right of the main entrance.
• Washroom and Shower Facilities View
  • Shower facilities with adaptations are located in the toilet with adaptations on the first floor.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• Public Parking View
  • On-street designated Blue Badge parking is available.
  • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located outside the Town Hall on Civic Way.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • There is a public car park located on Crescent Road.
  • The name of the car park is Crescent Road Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
  • Electric vehicle charging points are not available in the car park.

You are on Main Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Main Entrance

• This entrance is located at the front of the venue on Civic Way.
• The approach to the entrance has bollards.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There is an intercom at a height of 127cm.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 146cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 150cm.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is a third set of double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 142cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Location View
  • The reception is located directly ahead after entry via the main entrance .
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 120cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has windows which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 102cm to 147cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: adjustable font size.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and armchairs.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Counter (Help Point). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Help Point)

• The counter is located on the right as you enter the reception foyer.
• The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 124cm.
• There is a lowered section at the counter.
• The height of the lowered section is 73cm.
• The card payment machine is at a height of 124cm.
• The payment machine is portable.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

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

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access between floors via lift.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the 'Look Behind the Scenes' exhibition space on the ground floor and the first floor library seating area.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the 'Look Behind the Scenes' exhibition space on the ground floor and the children's library and cafe on the ground floor.
• Circulation View
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include pillars.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and benches.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the right of the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There is a manual door along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • The ground and first floors can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 127cm (width) x 173cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a mirror to aid reversing.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Platform Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Platform Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located ahead from the main lift.
• The distance from the lift is 20m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This lift is an enclosed platform lift.

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• Enclosed Platform Lift View
  • The first floor library seating area can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 94cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 147cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located on the left as you enter via the main entrance .
• The ground and first floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Spaces. Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Spaces

• The area is indoors.
• This area is interactive.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps: the 'Look Behind the Scenes' exhibition space on the ground floor.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
• Display formats include: pictorial, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and benches.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
• Touch tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.

You are on Counter (Adult Library). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Adult Library)

• The counter is located on the first floor on the right as you exit the lift.
• The distance from the lift is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the counter has step-free level access.
• There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 81cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• The counter has windows which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: armchairs.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Library. Skip to the next section.

Library

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this library includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• Some seating is fixed.
• Furniture available in the library includes: tables and desks.
• Some tables are fixed.
• The surface height of some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 102cm to 147cm from the floor.
• The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: adjustable font size.
• This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print, ebook, ejournal and audio.
• Auxiliary aids available in this library include: ergonomic chairs, handheld magnifiers, coloured overlays and headsets.
• Accessible software available for the computers includes: Zoomtext.
• There is additional accessible software which includes: the 'Ease of Access Centre' which is built into Windows. This provides a range of accessibility controls including magnification options. Vu-Bar, a screen accessibility tool and an NVDA screen reader.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Fine Grind). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Fine Grind)

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• Location and Access View
  • The cafe is on the ground floor, to the left of the main entrance.
  • The most accessible route has a slight slope.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into this area.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
  • There are no handrails for the ramp.
  • The ramp is at the threshold of the entrance door to the cafe.
  • There is a single manual door.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 115cm.
  • The door has a low colour contrast.
• Order and Payment View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 101cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 105cm.
  • The payment machine is portable.
• Service View
  • This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Menu types include: wall-mounted and handheld.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is both inside and outside.
  • The outdoor seating area is uncovered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, sofas, benches and high stools.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the right hand side of the entrance foyer.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 95cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 152cm (width) x 208cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 119cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor along the corridor from the lift on the right.
  • The distance from the lift is 20m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 95cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 237cm (width) x 249cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 163cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a varying colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 113cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Shower Facilities View
  • There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a fixed shower head and a separate detachable shower head.
  • The shower controls are lever mixer.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 50cm from the floor.
  • There are grab rails for the shower.
  • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
  • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
  • The dropdown rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
  • At the time of the survey (July 2026) there were no shower heads installed.