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House of Vans

Arches 228-232, Station Approach Road, London, SE1 8SW

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Access Guide

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Introduction - House of Vans

  • The House of Vans is located along Leake Street Arches and Station Approach Road.
  • The House of Vans is open four days a week as well as hosting major live events at weekends.
  • The House of Vans has 5 tunnel spaces which include an Art Gallery Space, Cinema, Live Music venue, premium Café and Bars and skater built and a Skatepark featuring a built and designed concrete bowl, mini ramp and street course.

Related London South Bank Venues (Leake Street Arches)

  • Leake Street Arches is a celebration of urban art, dining and entertainment live from Waterloo. Eight former railway arches next to the famous Graffiti Tunnel have been brought back to life to provide a curated collection of independent restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces that capture the essence of urban culture. Head to Leake Street Arches to fuel your creativity and leave your mark.

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.

South Bank Public Car Parks

  • This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
    For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
    South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.

Outside Access (Concert and Events Entrance - Leake Street Arches)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Leake Street.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 235cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located just beyond the first and second set of doors.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Outside Access (Day Time Entrance - Station Approach Road)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Station Approach.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 73cm.
  • Comments View
    • If the entrance width is too narrow, the Concert and Events entrance can be used instead. Please contact the venue or speak to a member of staff to use this entrance.
  • Comments View
    • If the entrance width is too narrow, the Concert and Events entrance can be used instead. Please contact the venue or speak to a member of staff to use the Concert and Events entrance entrance.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located just beyond the Day Time entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Day Time 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 behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is concrete.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Day Time Entrance and Reception to the Tunnels)

  • There is a ramp/slope located to the right of the reception.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Tunnel 1)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The spaces surveyed was Tunnel 1.
    • Tunnel 1 is located at the bottom of the ramp and next to Tunnel 2.
    • There is wayfinding signage for the area.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is numerical signage for the room(s), that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • The surface of the flooring of the room is concrete.
      The use of the room varies.
      At the time of surveying Tunnel 1 was being used as an Art Gallery.

Screen(s) (Tunnel 2)

  • Access to Screen(s) View
    • The screen(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The name/number of the screen surveyed is 2.
    • This information is for the entrance located within Tunnel 2.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • This entrance gives access to the front of the screen.
  • Screen Information View
    • The type of flooring is concrete.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is bench seating only.
    • Premium seating is not available within the screen.
    • The lighting levels before and after screenings are good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located at the rear of Tunnel 2.
    • There is step-free access to the front of the seating.
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • There is/are 8 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • 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.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during screenings.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated before and after screenings.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located at the front of the screen.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • Wheelchairs may be left with you.
    • The view from this seating area is good.
    • Companions sit behind you.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.

Eating and Drinking (Tunnel 2)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located at the rear of Tunnel 2.
  • There is step-free access to the bar.
  • The height of the service counter is high (110cm+) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • The standard height for tables is 92cm.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tunnel 2)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of Tunnel 2.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 205cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft).

Standard Toilet(s) (Tunnel 2)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of Tunnel 2.
    • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located at the rear of Tunnel 2.
    • There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered urinal.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Tunnel 3)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The area surveyed was Tunnel 3.
    • There is wayfinding signage for the area.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is numerical signage for the room(s) that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • Tunnel 3 is used for concerts and performance events.
      During events an area can be set aside for people with mobility issues. Please contact the venue for more information.

Eating and Drinking (Tunnel 3)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located at the rear of Tunnel 3.
  • There is step-free access to the bar.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • The lighting levels are low to moderate.

Tunnel 4 - Experienced Riders Skate Park

  • The Experienced Riders Skate Park is located within Tunnel 4.
  • There are barriers at the entrance to Tunnel 4 and 5.
  • The gap between the barrier is 90cm and 60cm.
  • All skaters must sign a disclaimer before using the park.
  • The skate park is accessed via two sets of stairs at the front and rear of the skate park.
  • At the front there are 8 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • At the rear there are 15+ steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The surface of the skate park is concrete.
  • There are low level lockers available.

Eating and Drinking (Tunnel 4)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located at the rear of Tunnel 4.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the café.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Background music varies according to the function/event.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m from the till/counter.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • Takeaway cups are available.
  • Takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There are wall menus available.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Tunnel 5 - Skate Park

  • There is step free access to the Tunnel 5 Skate Park.
  • There are barriers at the entrance to Tunnel 4 and 5.
  • The gap between the barrier is 90cm and 60cm.
  • All skaters must sign a disclaimer before using the skate park.
  • There is step free access throughout the Skate Park.
  • The surface of the flooring is concrete.

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