You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • The Drill Hall Building is a very large building with two floors.
  • There are two main lifts and four main staircases within the building.
  • The floors are known as the ground floor and first floor within the building, but are signed as 0 and 1 within the lifts.
  • Staff can provide a water bowl for an assistance dog on request.
  • View information on Drill Hall Building.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • There is a campus car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Gillingham.
  • The nearest bus station is Chatham Waterfront Bus Station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .

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

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building is step-free and level.
• From the upper campus, you will need to descend to the lower campus using the lift or stairs down to the former parade ground and then cross it to reach the building.
• The Drill Hall Building has two entrances.
  The library entrance provides step-free access (via a slight ramp) to the library on the ground floor.
  The west entrance provides step-free access (via a slight ramp, which bypasses the steps) to the west wing of the building on the ground floor.
  There are double automatic doors and a single manual door at these entrances respectively.
• The entrances are signed as 'Drill Hall Library' and 'Drill Hall West Entrance - Block A Teaching Rooms'.
• There is no internal access between the west wing and the rest of the building on the ground floor, and permission must be sought to access the west wing via the library (using the library west lift) on the first floor, as the internal door from the library to the west wing is kept locked (staff key card access only).

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

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout the ground floor of the building (with no internal access from the west wing to the rest of the building).
  There is step-free level access throughout the areas of the library on the first floor.
  There is step-free access (via a steep ramp) from the first floor areas of the library to both the east and west wings of the building.
  There is step-free level access to the first floor areas of the library, via lift.
  Access to the first floor within the east and west wings themselves is via stairs only - you must use the east and west lifts in the library and then use the ramps leading from these first floor areas of the library for step-free access to the first floors of these wings.
• On the first floor, there is a steep ramp, with no handrails, to access the east wing of the building from the first floor area of the library at the eastern end of the building.
  There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, to access the west wing of the building from the first floor area of the library at the western end of the building.
• Floor surfaces along circulation routes are mainly comprised of patterned low pile carpet, with some areas having a shiny tiled or vinyl finish.
• There are resting areas throughout the building with a mixture of seating.
• Overhead and wall-mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
• There are push-pad activated automatic and permanently-held-open manual doors along circulation routes throughout the building.
  There are not closed manual doors in any circulation corridors - only to access stairwells.

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 6 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground and first floors of the east wing and west wing, and in the centre of the library, off of the quiet study zone, next to the standard male and female toilets.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the centre of the library, off of the quiet study zone.
  • The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors of the east wing and west wing.

You are on Rooms and Services in the Building. Skip to the next section.

Rooms and Services in the Building

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• Eating and Drinking View
  • View information on Drill Hall Building Archibald Hay Mess (opens new tab) .

You are on Parking (Drill Hall Campus Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Drill Hall Campus Car Park)

• Drill Hall Building.

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the front of the Drill Hall Building, accessed from North Road.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac and loose chippings.
  • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 248cm (width) x 495cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 133cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 31m from the library entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access and bollards.
  • The Blue Badge bays are flush with the route to both entrances.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for staff, students, visitors, Blue Badge holders, permit holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders only.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Payment machines are located on the upper level of the campus - outside the security gatehouse, and in the Pembroke Building, opposite the Pembroke Café.
  • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (minimum 185cm x 210cm).
  • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
  • All car park users must apply for and be granted a permit before parking on site at Medway, including Blue Badge holders.
    View information on applying for a parking permit.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located on the upper level of the campus, on Central Avenue, to the left of the Pembroke Building.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.

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

Entrance (Library Entrance)

• Library Entrance.
• This entrance is located at the front of the building, leading in from the car park.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 88cm.
• The key card reader on the doors is for out of hours access only.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 200cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• The minimum width between the security barriers is 50cm.
• The width of the wider security barrier is 97cm, this barrier is operated by staff.
  The standard security barriers have an opening width of 50cm, with a key card reader at a height of 104cm.
  Beyond these are further security screens with a width of 84cm. All barriers and screens have a low colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Entrance (West Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (West Entrance)

• This entrance is located to the west of the building, leading in from North Road.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 2 steps with a handrail on the right going up.
• The handrail is not easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 14cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 123cm.
• There is a single manual door at this entrance.
• The door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 85cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a high visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 109cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

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

Reception (Library Reception)

• Library Reception.
• The reception is located immediately ahead as you enter the building through the library entrance.
• The distance from the library entrance is 5m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the desk.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is 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 without armrests and riser recliner chairs.
• Furniture available in this area includes: desks.
• The tables are fixed.

You are on Reception (Library Helpdesk). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Library Helpdesk)

• The reception is located around to the right as you pass through the security barriers at the library entrance.
• The distance from the library entrance is 21m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 106cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• The flooring is patterned.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
• The Library Helpdesk and the Library Reception share a seating area.

You are on Library (Drill Hall Library). Skip to the next section.

Library (Drill Hall Library)

• There is step-free level access throughout the library, this may include the use of a lift.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas, riser recliner chairs and benches.
• Furniture available in the library includes: tables, coffee tables, long tables, height adjustable tables, desks, height adjustable desks and booths.
• Some desks are fixed.
• Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Only the mezzanine study areas in the group study zone and silent study zone, which contain additional seating only, are not on the ground floor and require a lift or stairs to access.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 102cm to 122cm from the floor.
• The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: large text.
• The details given above are for the self-service book borrow touchscreen. This has a platform on which to place your book at a height of 78cm.
  There are also two self-service book return touchscreens, with a height range between 117cm and 144cm. The book deposit slots are 95cm high, and there are buttons to adjust the font size.
  Finally, there is a library catalogue search touchscreen with a height range between 88cm and 115cm.
• This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print, ebook and ejournal.
• Auxiliary aids available in this library include: large key keyboards, high visibility/contrast keyboards, ergonomic chairs, adjustable foot rests and handheld magnifiers.
• Accessible software available for the computers includes: Zoomtext.

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

Lift (East Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located immediately to the left as you enter the building through the library entrance.
• The distance from the library entrance is 7m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The ground floor and first floor (floors 0 and 1) are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual 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 630kg.
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 88cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 104cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Stairs (Library East Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Library East Stairs)

• The stairs surveyed are located around to the right as you enter the library through the library main entrance.
• The ground floor and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

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

Lift (West Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located near the west end of the Drill Hall Library, to the left as you enter the silent study zone.
• The distance from the library entrance is 91m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The ground floor and first floor (floors 0 and 1) are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual 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 630kg.
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 88cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 104cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• This lift gives access to an area of additional desks and seating in the library, in a part of the library where the ceiling is higher, which allows for an additional mezzanine floor.
  From here there is internal access to the west wing of the building, but the door can be opened by staff key card only.
  If you require step-free access to the first floor of the west wing, please speak to library staff or contact the venue in advance.

You are on Stairs (Library West Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Library West Stairs)

• The stairs surveyed are located towards the west end of the Drill Hall Library, ahead as you enter the silent study zone.
• The ground floor and first floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• These stairs give access to an area of additional desks and seating in the library, in a part of the library where the ceiling is higher, which allows for an additional mezzanine floor.
  From here there is internal access to the west wing of the building, but the door can be opened by staff key card only.
  If you require step-free access to the first floor of the west wing, please speak to library staff or contact the venue in advance.

You are on Stairs (Teaching Rooms East Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Teaching Rooms East Stairs)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter the library through the library entrance, then on the left beyond the Archibald Hay Mess.
• There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
• The ground floor, first floor and second floor (second floor is for maintenance staff only) can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• There are single manual doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor, to access both corridors leading from the stairwell.

You are on Stairs (Teaching Rooms West Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Teaching Rooms West Stairs)

• The stairs surveyed are located ahead and to the left as you enter the building through the west entrance.
• There is a permanently held open door to access the stairwell.
• The ground floor, first floor and second floor (second floor is for maintenance staff only) can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• There are single manual doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor, to access both corridors leading from the stairwell.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Unisex - East Wing - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Unisex - East Wing - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the right as you enter the library through the library entrance, just beyond the Archibald Hay Mess, on the left.
  • The distance from the library entrance is 45m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial, written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards automatically and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 153cm (width) x 232cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 114cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 99cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • The automatic door to the toilet is touch pad activated, with these being at heights of 99cm and 91cm on the outside and inside respectively.
  • There is also an automatic door to enter the toilets area, before the door to the toilet.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Unisex - West Wing - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located in the west wing of the building, straight ahead, through the automatic door and to the left as you enter the building through the west wing entrance.
  • The distance from the west wing entrance is 34m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial, written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards automatically and has a medium visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 153cm (width) x 226cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 112cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 99cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is an unobstructed shelf.
  • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • The automatic door to the toilet is touch pad activated, with these being at heights of 100cm and 89cm on the outside and inside respectively.
  • There is also an automatic door to enter the toilets area, before the door to the toilet.