Access Guide

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Introduction

The Student Union Cafe/ Bar was formerly the Elmer Suite.
It is located on Elmer Approach, to the left of the Gateway Building.
The venue may be open outside the core hours for special events.

Opening Times (Term Time)

Monday 11:00 - 22:00.
Tuesday 11:00 - 22:00.
Wednesday 11:00 - 22:00.
Thursday 11:00 - 22:00.
Friday 11:00 - 22:00.
Saturday Closed.
Sunday Closed.

Location

The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
This venue is situated in Southend-on-Sea.
The venue is in a pedestrian area.
The nearest National Rail station is Southend Central.
There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

The venue does not have its own car park.
There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
The name of the car park is South Essex College Car Park.
The car park is located off Elmer Approach.
On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
There is not a designated drop off point.

Comments View
- There are other public car parks nearby and some on-street pay and display parking in nearby streets.

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 single.
The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Comments View
- The door is activated by student key card to enter.
- There is a push pad to exit.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
The ramp or slope is located inside the entrance, down towards the bar entrance.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
The ramp does have handrails.
The handrails are on the right going up.
The width of the ramp or slope is 150cm (4ft 11in).

Level Change (Access from Gateway Building)

There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
The step(s) is / are located from the ground floor corridor of the Gateway Building, near the main stairs.
There is / are 4 step(s) to the area / service.
The lighting levels at the steps are bright.
The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
The step(s) is / are medium.
The steps do have handrails.
The handrails are on both sides.

Comments View
- These steps are bypassed by using the building main entrance.

Inside Access

There is level access to the service.
There is not a hearing assistance system.
This venue does play background music.
Music is played throughout the venue.
The lighting levels are varied.
Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Eating and Drinking

The following information is for the cafe/bar.
The bar does serve food.
Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
There is not a lowered section at the counter.
Some tables are permanently fixed.
Some chairs are permanently fixed.
Some chairs have armrests.
The nearest table is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
Drinking straws are available.
Menus are wall only.
The type of food served here is cold snacks, hot and cold drinks.

Comments View
- The long bench table is at dining height.
- The benches at each side are fixed.
- There is space at each end for a wheelchair user.
- There are also bar-height tables and chairs and lounge furniture around coffee tables.

Other Floors

Steps View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
Comments View
- These stairs access teaching and staff areas which are not part of the Students' Union.

Lift

There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located to the left as you enter.
The lift is a platform lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
The lift is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 140cm (2ft 11in x 4ft 7in).
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 lift does not have Braille markings.
The lift does not have tactile markings.
The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Comments View
- This lift gives access to the teaching and staff areas on the first floor.
- These areas are not part of the Students' Union.

Accessible Toilet

There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.

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.
- The accessible toilet is located at the rear of the suite.
- There is level access to the accessible toilet.
Features and Dimensions View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door weight is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- The emergency alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
- There is not a coat hook.
Position of Fixtures View
- Wall mounted 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 are mirrors.
- 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 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 not a towel dispenser.
- 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 sink.
- The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
Colour Contrast and Lighting View
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the grab rails 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 bright.
Comments View
- There is a curtain which pulls across the room just inside the door of the accessible toilet.
- This would allow a carer to leave the room whilst maintaining privacy.
- There is also an accessible toilet located on the 1st floor.

Standard Toilet(s)

Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
- Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
- The female and male toilets are located at the rear of the ground floor.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are bright.