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Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre

Gainsborough Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1LH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a Sports Hall, Gym, Dance Studio, Climbing Wall, Café, Bowling Green, and a Swimming Pool.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Stowmarket.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Stowmarket.

Opening Times

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 239cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 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 not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 Blue Badge only EVCPs located in front of the entrance. The bays measure 230cm - 460cm. They are operated by EO. The plug in points are 110cm high. Access is via downloadable app or by scanning code. Supply offered is 7kw.
    • There is also on street standard parking available along Gainsborough Road.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • 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 152cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
    • 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are 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.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/06/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible gate to the right of the reception is 98cm wide and opens both ways.
    • The turnstiles to the left of the reception are 50cm wide.
    • Turnstiles are opened via membership card or by staff member.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 05/06/2023.
  • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played within the Fitness Suite and Swimming Pool.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Level Change (Café Slope)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located between the corridor and the Café.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 119cm (3ft 11in).

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the left as you enter and at end of the corridor.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the top of the Café slope.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The standard height for tables is 76cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • 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.

Swimming Pool

  • There is level access from the changing area to the swimming pool.
  • There is not a ramped entrance into the water.
  • There is a wet side chair available.
  • There is a hoist for wheelchair users to access the water.
  • The hoist is hydraulic.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 4 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Level Change (Fitness Suite - Gym)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located after the door that is to the left of Fitness Suite Entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 162cm (5ft 4in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located between the upper and lower area of the Fitness Suite.
  • There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The doors to the left of the Fitness Suite entrance are push away from you.
    • The doors are double with an opening width of 194cm.

Fitness Suite (Gym)

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located to the left as you enter and at end the of the corridor.
    • The fitness suite is 45m (49yd 8in) from the Main Entrance.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open automatically.
    • The doors are single.
    • The opening is 93cm wide.
  • IFI Accredited Fitness Suite View
    • No staff have received IFI Mark standard Disability Equality Training.
    • IFI accredited equipment is not available.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • A portable hearing assistance system is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is not level access to all of the equipment.
  • Comments View
    • The turnstiles to the right of the entrance are 50cm wide.
    • There is an emergency disabled refuge area in the right hand corner furthest from the Gym entrance.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter to the right of gym entrance.
  • The lift is a standard 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • Comments View
    • This lift was out of order at time of the survey (20/01/2022).

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located to the right as you enter and at the end of the corridor.
    • The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall .
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the reception.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 436cm x 274cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 230cm (7ft 7in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall .
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is an elbow pad flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 56cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the toilet seat and pan.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 188cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a coat hook.
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 104cm and 164cm from the floor.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Changing Room (Swimming Pool - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located to the left as you enter the changing area.
  • The facility is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 226cm x 287cm (7ft 5in x 9ft 5in).
  • The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 156cm (5ft 1in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a locker within the accessible changing room.
  • There is a changing bench.
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The facility changing bench height is fixed.
  • The length of the bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails, a shower chair and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 51cm (1ft 8in).

Accessible Changing Room (Gym - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There are accessible changing rooms available.
  • The accessible changing room is located opposite the Fitness Suite Entrance.
  • The facility is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room are 286cm x 310cm (9ft 5in x 10ft 2in).
  • The toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 245cm (8ft).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • Wall mounted rails are available.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm (1ft 7in) above floor level.
  • There is a sink.
  • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the sink is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
  • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
  • There is a locker within the accessible changing room.
  • The locker is within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a changing bench.
  • There is a wheel in shower.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 55cm (1ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • A flip down, dry chair is available. The height of dry side chair is 59cm.

Accessible Toilet (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in front as you enter and behind the reception.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is not push pad activated.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 340cm (5ft 2in x 11ft 2in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • 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.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 103cm and 164cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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).
    • 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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 good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the Accessible Toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 91cm (2ft 12in).

Standard Changing Room (Swimming Pool)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Swimming Pool.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right of the reception.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located along the corridor that is behind the reception.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the unisex changing room.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • There are only ambulant toilets available within the Swimming Pool Changing Area rooms.

Standard Changing Room (Gym)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Sports Hall.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located opposite the Fitness Suite Entrance.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Shower facilities are available within the changing room(s).
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.
  • Home visits / services are not available.