You are on COVID-19 Information (University of Essex). Skip to the next section.

COVID-19 Information (University of Essex)

• For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .

You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include a fitness suite, sports hall, climbing wall, squash courts, seminar room, activity hall and 3 studios.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include tennis/netball courts, disc golf and a fitness trail.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 07:30 - 22:00.
• Tuesday 07:30 - 22:00.
• Wednesday 07:30 - 22:00.
• Thursday 07:30 - 22:00.
• Friday 07:30 - 22:00.
• Saturday 09:00 - 20:00.
• Sunday 09:00 - 20:00.

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• Comments View
  • Only the fitness suite is accessible between 07:30 and 08:00 Monday-Friday..

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• The venue is situated outside the centre of the campus.
• This venue is situated in Colchester.
• The nearest mainline station is Hythe.
• There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

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• Comments View
  • Although not as close as Hythe, most visitors choose to arrive at Colchester North station where bus and taxi connections are more readily available.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park is located true.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 400cm x 450cm (13ft 1in x 14ft 9in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 78m (85yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest designated bay is 84m (91yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • 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.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
• On Street Parking and Drop-off Details. View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • For further information, please see the University website parking page.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The width of the door opening is 161cm (5ft 3in).
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 141cm (4ft 8in).
• Comments View
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • There is a separate second set of doors to exit the building.
  • These are manual, heavy doors, 142cm wide, which open toward you.
  • The first set of doors are used to exit as well as enter the building.

You are on Level Change (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance as you face it.
• The ramp/slope is easy.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does not have handrails.
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
• There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
• There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

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• Comments View
  • The ramp overcomes the step mentioned.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk/counter is staffed.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are not trained to use the system.

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• Comments View
  • There is an accessible gate leading from reception to the services. The gate is 90cm wide.
  • There is also seating with no armrests available in the reception area.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does play background music.
• Music is played in the fitness suite, changing rooms and reception.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

You are on Level Change (Seminar Room and Female Changing Room). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Seminar Room and Female Changing Room)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is easy.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• The ramp does not have handrails.

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• Comments View
  • This ramp is located in the corridor leading to the seminar room and female changing room.

You are on Reception (Fitness Suite). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Fitness Suite)

• The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Fitness Suite entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
• The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk/counter is staffed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

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• Comments View
  • There are entrance barriers to the side of the reception desk.
  • There is an accessible gate.
  • This is 88cm in width.
  • There is a treadmill with white contrasting lines for visially impaired customers.
  • Some instructors have experience of working with paralympians.

You are on Fitness Suite. Skip to the next section.

Fitness Suite

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• Access to Fitness Suite View
  • The fitness suite is located along the main corridor.
  • The fitness suite is 39m (42yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the fitness suite.
  • There are doors into the fitness suite.
  • The doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are double.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The opening is 140cm (4ft 7in) wide.
• Fitness Suite (General) View
  • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
  • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
  • There is level access to all of the equipment.
• Comments View
  • There is an accessible gate into the fitness suite which is 88cm wide.
  • There is a treadmill with contrast lines along the edge for customers with visual impairments.
  • Induction is completed online.
  • Some members of staff have experience of working with Paralympians.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting level is medium.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.

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

Lift (Main)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located opposite the entrance to the fitness centre.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
• The lift is approximately 36m (39yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 81cm (2ft 8in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 130cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 3in).
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

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• Comments View
  • This lift gives access to changing rooms and the activity hall.
  • At the time of research, disabled access to this area was restricted due to fire regulations.

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

Lift (Viewing Gallery)

• The lift is located to the left as you face reception.
• The lift is a platform lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
• Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 130cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does not 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.
• The lighting level in the lift is low.

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• Comments View
  • This lift gives access to the viewing gallery and Director's Office.

You are on Standard Changing Room (Male Changing Room). Skip to the next section.

Standard Changing Room (Male Changing Room)

• There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
• The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left of the reception desk as you face it.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
• The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the sports hall.
• There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

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• Comments View
  • The details here are for the changing room on the ground floor.
  • There is also a male changing room on the first floor, above the fitness suite.

You are on Standard Changing Room (Female Changing Room). Skip to the next section.

Standard Changing Room (Female Changing Room)

• There are standard changing rooms available.
• The standard changing rooms are located along the corridor past the male changing rooms.
• The standard changing room is 43m (47yd) from the main entrance.
• The standard changing room is 35m (38yd) from the reception desk.
• The standard changing room is 30m (33yd) from the spots hall.
• There is level access to the standard changing rooms.

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• Comments View
  • The details here are for the changing room on the ground floor.
  • There is also a female changing room on the first floor, above the fitness suite.

You are on Accessible Shower. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Shower

• Accessible shower facilities are available.
• The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the first floor changing rooms.
• The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
• The height of the seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
• There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

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• Comments View
  • There are accessible showers in both the male and female changing rooms located on the first floor, above the fitness suite.

You are on Standard Shower. Skip to the next section.

Standard Shower

• Shower facilities are available.
• The shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the male changing rooms.
• There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

You are on Accessible Toilet. Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located within the standard changing rooms.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The door is light.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 144cm x 144cm (4ft 9in x 4ft 9in).
  • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • 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 not a mixer tap.
  • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
  • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 85cm (2ft 9in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the dropdown 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 bright.
• Comments View
  • The details here are for the accessible toilet within the male changing room on the ground floor.
  • There is a similar accessible toilet in the male changing rooms on the first floor.
  • This has a functional alarm fitted.
  • This toilet is shown in photograph 2.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the female changing room.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 47m (51yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
  • Lighting levels are medium.
• Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
  • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the male changing room.
  • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
  • Lighting levels are medium.
• Comments View
  • The details here are for the toilets within the ground floor changing rooms
  • There are also toilets located within the changing rooms on the first floor, above the fitness suite.
  • At the time of research, disabled access to this area was restricted due to fire regulation.
  • Standard toilets are also located on the viewing gallery, next to the platform lift.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
• This service can be requested.
• Staff are Text Relay aware.

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• Comments View
  • Staff may receive disability awareness training.
  • The photograph shows the tennis/netball courts located outside the sports centre.