Access Guide
Summary
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the building include; a Function Room, Conference Rooms, Computer Suite and a Boardroom.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
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Getting Here
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By Road
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- The Fielder Centre is 1.6 miles northwest of Hatfield town centre. It can be accessed from the east via the A1(M) or from the west via the M1.
From the number 4 exit along the A1(M), head southwards along the A1001 and after 0.8 miles you will reach the Airfield roundabout. At this roundabout take the fourth exit onto Hatfield Avenue. Continue along Hatfield Avenue for 0.7 miles, going straight at all four roundabouts. Once you have passed the fourth roundabout and after only 0.1 mile, the entrance to the Fielder Centre car park will be located on the left.
Satnav users can use AL10 9TP for the quickest and most accurate journey. - Daily visitors may park for an unlimited amount of time in the Fielder Centre car park that is in front and to the right of the Fielder Centre.
The car park also has Blue Badge parking bays available within.
- The Fielder Centre is 1.6 miles northwest of Hatfield town centre. It can be accessed from the east via the A1(M) or from the west via the M1.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stops available to the Fielder Centre are located on Hatfield Avenue or Frobisher Way. The services available at these bus stops include the 601 The Alban Way, the 602 and the 610 Dragonfly.
- For more information on bus providers nearby the Fielder Centre please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Hatfield.
- The Fielder Centre is approximately 2.2 miles north west from Hatfield train station. It is a Category A station with step free access to all platforms.
This station is served by Great Northern and ThamesLink Railway.
The station is a 40 minute walk from the Fielder Centre. Alternatively public transport may be used, but there is no direct link. - For more information on train providers at Hatfield train station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on facilities available at Hatfield train station please click here (opens new tab).
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Useful Information
- To see more information on Fielder Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01707 284841.
Building Parking (Fielder Centre Car Park)
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
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Building Car Park
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- The car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- The car park is located in front and to the right of the Fielder Centre.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- The maximum height is 180cm (5ft 11in).
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- There is/are 7 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 370cm x 450cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- The nearest designated bay is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the front entrance.
- The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is / are dropped kerbs.
- The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Front Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the Fielder Centre.
- This entrance gives access to the Fielder Centre.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm.
- There are bollards at this entrance.
- The minimum width between the bollards is 198cm.
- The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
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Lift
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- There is also an alternate second door that opens automatically and is 77cm wide (this is shown in photograph 4).
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located in front and to the right as you enter the Fielder Centre.
- The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the front 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 at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is 118cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section of the counter.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 73cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and vinyl.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building .
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
- There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
Eating and Drinking (Function Room)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the restaurant.
- The restaurant is located to the left as you enter the Fielder Centre.
- There is step-free access to the restaurant.
- The opening to access the function room is 128cm wide or there is an alternate opening that is 172cm wide (these are shown in photographs 2 and 3).
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Service and Menus
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- Tables can be booked in advance.
- There is a buffet counter and a self service counter.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include; handheld menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are not available.
- This area does not play background music.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
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Self-Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 75cm.
- There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The counter that serves coffee is 92cm high (this is shown in photograph 5).
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Tables and Seating
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- There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 50cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 70cm.
- The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 53cm.
- The surface height of the highest table is 73cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- There are also coffee tables.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
- The lighting levels are good.
Other Floors (Front Stairs)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located at the front of the Fielder Centre and to the right of the reception.
- The stairs are approximately 15m from the front entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 2.
- There are 15 steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are not 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a second lower handrail.
- 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.
Other Floors (Rear Stairs)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located at the end of the corridor that is directly in front as you enter the Fielder Centre.
- The stairs are approximately 20m from the front entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a second lower handrail.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
Lift (Rear Lift)
- The lift is for staff use only.
- The lift is located at the end of the corridor that is directly in front as you enter the Fielder Centre.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the front 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 B, G, 1, 2.
- The weight limit for the lift is 650 KG.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the first floor.
- 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 not 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 medium.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
- The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 139cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 7in).
- There are 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 not have an audible announcer.
- The internal 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 moderate to good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Basement - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the basement floor and to the left as you exit the lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the rear lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 164cm x 230cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 7in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 67cm (2ft 2in).
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
- There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 170cm and 179cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 87cm.
- The shelf is located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- 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).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located on the basement floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the rear lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The information above relates to the female toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the male toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
- There is a flip down baby change table available .
- The height of the baby change table is 91cm.