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Chingford Leisure Centre

Unit 4 Larkswood Leisure Park, New Road, Chingford, London, E4 9EY

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Ground Floor - teaching pool main pool pool changing area First Floor - fitness suite studio dry changing pool viewing gallery.
  • Comments View
    • Opening times for the different facilities may vary.
    • Please contact the centre or view the website for details of the activity timetable.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Highams Park.

Opening Times (Centre)

  • Monday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 17:00.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park is located in 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 8 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 60m (65yd 1ft) 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 a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 118cm (3ft 10in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening 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 high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The lower section of the counter is 90cm high.
    • There are barriers to the left after reception to access the facilities.
    • The wide barriers are 89cm.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 2 shows the studio on the first floor.
    • There is a hearing loop system in the studio.

Swimming Pool (Teaching)

  • 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 manual.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 4 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is not a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • Comments View
    • The hoist next to the main pool can be relocated to the teaching pool if required.

Swimming Pool (Main)

  • 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 manual.
  • There are steps into the swimming pool.
  • There are 6 steps.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the left going up.
  • There is a ladder type entrance into the water.
  • There is a handrail on both sides of the ladder.

Accessible Shower (Pool)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the pool changing area.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 52cm (1ft 8in).
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of our visit, the wheelchair turning space was restricted by 2 plastic armchairs.
    • These chairs can be removed if required.

Standard Changing Room (Pool)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the pools.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located at the end of the corridor, to the left from 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby changing table at 68cm high and
    • fold down baby change benches at 74cm high within the family changing cubicles.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar stairs off the right of the foyer to access the pool viewing area (photograph 3).
    • There is level access by lift to the pool viewing area through the fitness suite.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located through the security barriers and doors to the left of reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Pool Viewing Area

  • There is a pool viewing gallery on the first floor.
  • There is direct access to the gallery from the staircase to the right of the foyer.
  • There is level access to the gallery by lift, using the access door from within the fitness suite.
  • There are spaces for wheelchair users at this level.
  • The fixed seating is reached by two medium marked steps down from this level.
  • The steps have handrails to both sides.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor, to the right of the lift.
    • There is step free access to the fitness suite.
    • Level access is by lift.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open towards you (pull).
    • The doors are single.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 88cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive some training in assisting disabled people.
    • Training provided is general induction training.
    • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes hand bikes, free weights.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Standard Changing Room (Dry Changing - First Floor)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the fitness suite.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the first floor, to the right of the lift.
  • 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.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the corridor leading from the foyer to the pool changing area.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 240cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 10in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 108cm (3ft 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 not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not 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 can 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 bright.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text, Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the right of the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 178cm x 430cm (5ft 10in x 14ft 1in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 can 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 medium.

Accessible Shower (First Floor)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the first floor accessible toilet.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located at the edge of the car park.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.