Kings Square Accessible Toilet | 10th April 2019

Accessibility Rating 

Physical 
 
Three out of five 

Sensory 
 
Five out of five 

Location: Robert Raikes House
36-38 Southgate Street
Gloucester 
GL1 2DR

Wayfinding

Robert Raikes is based to the left as you exit Eastgate Centre. The community toilet scheme leaflet outlines that Robert Raikes is on Southgate street, which is clearly signposted throughout Eastgate Centre.
It is unclear that Robert Raikes is involved in the community toilet scheme without the leaflet, and if you were new to Gloucester it may be difficult to find as the signage is not clear.

Entrance

The doors into the Robert Raikes are very heavy and would be difficult for a wheelchair user to open alone. Once inside the pub there is signage to the standard toilets upstairs, however there is no signage to the disabled toilet. It is located in the back of the restaurant and may involve asking a member of staff for directions as it would not be easy to find without prior knowledge.

Inside the WC

The doorway into the WC is 900mm wide which is 50mm below minimum requirements.
The WC is quite small, only just meeting minimum requirements and although there is space to turn in a wheelchair and an assistant, it is a bit of a squeeze.
There is a right-hand transfer, however a peddle bin and toilet brush obstruct this space which can cause difficulty for a wheelchair user.
The emergency pull cord is located to the right of the toilet. The lowest ring on the cord is only just off the ground at 3cm. This is too low as it would not be possible to pull on the cord enough at this height to raise the alarm. The second pull ring is 54cm from the floor which is also too low to reach easily from the toilet.
The toilet has a push button flush which can be difficult for people with limited dexterity.
There are handrails situated next to the sink, under the toilet roll dispenser and on the left of the toilet, as well as a drop-down rail. The sink is situated close to the toilet and all amenities are at a lowered height that is suitable for a wheelchair user of person of smaller stature.There is a coat hook on the door, but it is too high.
The WC has good lighting with no off-putting smell and the wall colour contrasts the handrails and toilet so they can be easily distinguished.
There is a caution sign on the basin warning of very hot water, however the font is slightly small and may be difficult for someone to read with visual impairments.