Access Guide
Getting To and Around Christ's College
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Arriving By Car or Bike
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- 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).
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- There is a bus stop on Hobson Street opposite the Hobson Street pedestrian gate.
The bus services that stop in Regent Street include; 1 citi, 2 citi, 3 citi, 5 citi, 6 citi, 8 citi, 8H Histon Road Shuttle and Park & Ride Madingley Road.
These bus services give direct links to; Arbury, Chesterton, Oakington, Fen Ditton, Cottenham, Bar Hill, Orchard Park, Swavesey and Madingley Road Park & Ride
The bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 175 metres away from Christ's College. - Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
- For more information on planning a bus journey in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Cambridge.
- Cambridge Station is approximately 1.7 kilometres away from Christ's College. The station has direct links to London Kings Cross, London Liverpool Street, Cambridge North, Kings Lynn, Stansted Airport, Brighton, Ipswich and Norwich. The rail companies that operate out of this station are; Cross Country, Great Northern, Thameslink and Greater Anglia.
- For more information on Cambridge Station please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on planning a train journey to Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
- Cambridge Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
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Accessing the College Site
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- 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.
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Getting Around the College Site
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- 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 7-10). 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 11 and 12). Other areas have surfaced paths of flagstone paving. The flagstones are uneven in some areas (Photograph 13). There are some stepped areas within Third Court (Photograph 14), 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 15) and the Darwin Garden (Photograph 16). 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, benches are also available in these gardens (Photograph 17). 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 18). 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 19).
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Additional College Site Information
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- Many of the buildings at Christ's College have stepped access into and around them (Photographs 20-21). 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 22 and 23). 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
- To see more information on University of Cambridge Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 332301.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Health and Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
Site/Campus Car Park (King Street Car Park)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- 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).
The key card reader and intercom cannot be reached from within a vehicle.
There is a slope at the exit from the car park into the college.
Site/Campus Car Park (Chapel Car Park)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- 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).
Site/Campus Car Park (Hobson Street Car Park)
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Car Park
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- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- 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). The key card reader and intercom cannot be reached from within a vehicle.
Getting To (The Yusuf Hamied Theatre)
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Location
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- The Theatre is located on the ground floor of The Yusuf Hamied Centre - New Court.
- The Yusuf Hamied Centre is on the right when entering New Court.
The Theatre is directly ahead when you enter the main entrance of The Yusuf Hamied Centre. - There is wayfinding signage along the route to The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
- Christ's College link (new tab) - click here.
- Function Room - The Yusuf Hamied Centre - New Court link (new tab) - click here.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor of The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor of The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor of The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
Outside Access (Main Entrance - The Yusuf Hamied Centre)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the right when entering New Court.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor lobby.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'THE YUSUF HAMIED CENTRE'.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located to the left as you face the entrance.
- There is/are 3 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not 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.
Getting Around (The Yusuf Hamied Centre)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building .
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet, tiles and laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
Theatre Information
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General Information
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- The Theatre is located on the ground floor of The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
- For more information on Function Room - The Yusuf Hamied Centre - New Court please click here (new tab).
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Theatre Information
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- The designated seating within the theatre is located at the front of the tiered seating .
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Facilities for Hearing Impaired Patrons
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- There is a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s).
- There is a/are fixed hearing assistance system(s) in the theatre(s).
- The hearing assistance system does cover all areas of the theatre(s).
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- No performances are captioned.
- No performances are signed.
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Facilities for Visually Impaired Patrons
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- No performances are audio described.
Entrance (Yusuf Hamied Theatre - The Yusuf Hamied Centre - New Court)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor, directly ahead after you enter The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
- This entrance gives access to the Yusuf Hamied Theatre.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'YUSUF HAMIED THEATRE'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 106cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
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Lift
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- This entrance gives access to the front row of the tiered seating.
Theatre Seating Area(s)
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Theatre Information
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- There is a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s).
- There is a/are fixed hearing assistance system(s) in the theatre(s).
- The hearing assistance system does cover all areas of the theatre(s).
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Access to Seating
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- The information below describes access to the Tiered Seating.
- The theatre area is located on the ground floor of The Yusuf Hamied Centre.
- There is step-free access to the theatre area.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
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Theatre Area Information
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- This information refers to the Stalls.
- The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
- There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
- The width of the rows of seating is 39cm.
- The lighting level before and after performances is low to moderate.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor of the building.
- There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
- The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) at the front.
- The access to the majority of seating is located in the centre of the seats.
- There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
- There is/are 16 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the 30cm and 45cm.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is moderate to good.
- The lighting level at the steps during performances is low to moderate.
- The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
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Designated Seating Area(s)
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- There is designated seating available in this area.
- The designated seating area(s) is/are located at the front of the theatre.
- The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
- There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
- There is/are 4 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
- Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
- The visibility of the stage from this seating area is good.
- Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
- There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
- There is also a set of two single doors leading from the Typewriter Building - Staircase 1 Entrance (Photographs 9 and 10).
These doors give level access and lead to the rear of the theatre.
Other Floors (The Yusuf Hamied Centre)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located to the left after you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the lower ground floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail 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 landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
Lift (The Yusuf Hamied Centre)
- The lift is located ahead as you enter.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
- The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on the lower ground floor.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The clear door width is 90cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 136cm x 160cm.
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing on the lower ground floor only.
Toilet with Adaptations (Yusuf Hamied Centre - Lower Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- 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 (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 245cm (6ft 3in x 8ft).
- 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 (3ft 7in).
- 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 low.
- 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 low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- 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.
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 low.
- 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 low.
- 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 low.
- 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 low.
- 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 low.
Standard Toilet(s) (Yusuf Hamied Centre - Lower Ground Floor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female toilet is located on the lower ground floor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 19m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The male toilet is located on the lower ground floor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
- Lighting levels are good.