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Upper Hall

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

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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 (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.

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 (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.

Getting To (The Upper Hall)

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Second Court.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor stairwell.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'UPPER HALL'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 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 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Other Floors (Upper Hall)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located just beyond the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • 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 not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • Handrails are not 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 not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.

Lift (Kitchen Area)

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located within the kitchen area.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the F Shell passageway.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 80cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • The lift is located within the ground floor kitchen area.
    If you need to use this lift, please inform the Porters' Lodge in advance.
    Access to the lift is via a ramp from the F Screens passageway to the kitchen area.
    The ramp is long and steep with a handrail on the left-hand side (Photograph 4).

Eating and Drinking (Upper Hall)

  • Location and Access View
    • There is step-free access to the refectory.
    • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a buffet counter.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; menu boards.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Self-Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 86cm.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The height of the counter is 86cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 72cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also bench seats.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located on the ground floor corridor of the Library, off First Court.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on the ground floor corridor of the Library, off First Court.