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Christ's College

St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3BU

Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Christ's College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Christ's College is situated in Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the campus is located in Hobson Street. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Christ's College has limited on-site car parking. The main parking area is located off Hobson Street. There is also a car park off Hobson Street at the rear of the Chapel. There is an additional car park off King Street, under New Court. There are no Blue Badge parking bays in any of these car parks.
      Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. At Christ's College there are cycle stands available near the Master's Lodge gate.
    • For more information on getting to Christ's College please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is via The Great Gate located in St Andrew's Street (Photographs 1 and 2). Access is via a single pedestrian gate. The gate is permanently held open from 07:00 - 00:00 daily and has an opening width of 100cm.
    • Key card holders can also access the site via the Hobson Street Gate, which is a pedestrian entrance situated on Hobson Street, next to the vehicular entrance to the Hobson Street Car Park (Photograph 3) The gate opens automatically away from you and is activated by using the card reader (height 132cm) or by using the intercom (height 128cm). The gate has an opening width of 98cm.
      Pedestrians can also enter via the Master's Lodge gate on Hobson Street, next to the vehicular entrance to the Chapel Car Park (Photograph 4). The gate opens automatically away from you and is activated by using the card reader (height 108cm). The gate width is 98cm. There is a similar gate in the Chapel Car Park giving access to the same area.
    • Key card holders can also access the site via a pedestrian gate in King Street (Photographs 5 and 6). There are 2 gates at this entrance. The first gate is double with one gate locked and opens away from you automatically. At times the gate may be permanently held open. The height of the card reader is 152cm and the opening width of the gateway is 99cm. The second gate opens away from you (push), is single, and may be difficult for some people to open. The height of the card reader is 118cm and the opening width of the gateway is 94cm.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the Hobson Street car park there is open step-free access to the network of paths around external areas of the Christ's College site (Photographs 7-13). The site is mostly level with wide paths (150cm+) but path surfaces do vary. The paths that run around the Fellows' Gardens have a gravel surface that may not be suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments (Photographs 14 and 15). Other areas have surfaced paths of flagstone paving. The flagstones are uneven in some areas (Photograph 16). There are some stepped areas within Third Court (Photograph 17), which can be overcome by using the level path along the front of the Blyth Building.
    • There is stepped access to the Third Court Garden (Photograph 18) and the Darwin Garden (Photograph 19). The steps do not have handrails. Both gardens have a gravel surface that may not be suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments (Photograph 20). There are external steps onto the terraced areas of the Yusuf Hamied Centre which have handrails covering the majority of the steps on both sides (Photograph 21). The external parts of the site are otherwise step-free except for access into buildings. There is ramp to give access to the Yusuf Hamied Centre (Photograph 22).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Christ's College have stepped access into and around them (Photographs 23-24). Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings. Due to the age of the buildings adaptations to provide lifts and ramps have not been possible, however, there are portable ramps for access into some of these buildings giving access to the ground floor. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is directional signage around the site including maps (Photographs 27 and 28). An escort is available, and a map is also available from the College website or on request from the Porters' Lodge. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Library Corridor, the Yusuf Hamied Centre, and externally in Second Court.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Hobson Street Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Hobson Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Third Court, New Court and Todd Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is a campus map available within the car park.
    • Access to this car park is by automatic gates which are activated by key card (height 129cm) or intercom (height 126cm) (Photograph 4). The key card reader and intercom cannot be reached from within a vehicle.

Site/Campus Car Park (Chapel Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Hobson Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Chapel and First Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • Access to this car park is by automatic gates which are operated by key card (height 147cm) or intercom (height 142cm) (Photograph 3).

Site/Campus Car Park (King Street Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off King Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are New Court.
    • The car park type is underground.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • Access to this car park is via automatic gates which are operated by key card (height 143cm) or intercom (height 143cm) (Photograph 3). The key card reader and intercom cannot be reached from within a vehicle.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Library Corridor - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the Library Corridor, off First Court.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Library Corridor Entrance.
    • 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 184cm x 210cm (6ft x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 142cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 73cm (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 poor.
    • 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 86cm.
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Yusuf Hamied Centre - Lower Ground Floor - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor of the Yusuf Hamied Centre, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the 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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 245cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 left.
    • 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 166cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet does not have a backrest or a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Second Court - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in Second Court.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 120m (131yd 8in) from the main pedestrian entrance to the College.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 176cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 60cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 129cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 66cm (2ft 2in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Second Court Accessible Toilet)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located in the entrance to the Accessible Toilet in Second Court.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the Second Court Accessible Toilet.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.