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Porters' Lodge (Memorial Court)

Clare College, Memorial Court, Queen's Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9AJ

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Clare College (Memorial Court)

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Clare College has 3 sites; Memorial Court, Old Court and The Colony. Memorial Court is located off Queen’s Road (A1134), just to the West of the city centre. This part of the city can be accessed most easily from the M11 via Junction 12 or 13. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There is very limited parking at Clare College and it is strictly controlled. Anyone parking on-site must have prior permission via the Head Porter. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements. At Memorial Court there is parking on the access road in front of the Porters’ Lodge and along Thirkill Drive and the access road leading to Lerner Court. There are no marked parking bays for Blue Badge holders.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. There is provision for bicycle storage at Clare College.
    • For more information on directions to Clare 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
    • There are three driveways in Queen’s Road which give access to the Memorial Court site. All have vehicular access with parking along them and none of them have a dedicated footpath for pedestrians so care should be taken. The central one is the only one which does not have a vehicle security barrier but is the only one with stepped access. It also has a gate for pedestrian access (Photograph 1). The gate is permanently held open and has an opening width of 90cm. Beyond the gate the straight driveway is level with a tarmac surface but is slightly uneven in places with some loose stones (Photograph 2). There are then 12 steps leading up to the passageway into Memorial Court where the Porters’ Lodge is located (Photograph 3). The steps do not have handrails or markings.
    • The driveway to the left (or south) of the one described above, is called Thirkill Drive and it leads to Thirkill Court at the rear left of the site. This is a vehicular entrance, and it is controlled by a security barrier. There is a path to bypass the barrier, but it is very narrow (width 66cm) and is via a vehicle turning bay (Photograph 4). After the security barrier the driveway has a tarmac surface, which is uneven in places, and a very slight upwards gradient (Photograph 5). As you reach the front of the Memorial Court building there is a footpath to the right that connects the 3 driveways and can be used to bypass the steps in front of the Porters’ Lodge. The path is flat with a tarmac surface and a minimum width of 130cm (Photograph 6). If you continue along the driveway instead there is access to Thirkill Court via a wide open gateway (Photograph 7).
    • The driveway to the right (or north) leads up to Lerner Court at the rear right of the site. This is also a vehicular entrance which is controlled by a security barrier (Photograph 8). The barrier does have an intercom system at a height of 103cm. To the left of the security barrier there is a path, but it is narrow past the barrier (width 75cm) before it widens to 100cm. The path has a surface with consists of a metal grid over packed loose stones and may not be suitable for some. The path and driveway have a slight but long upwards gradient (Photograph 9). At the end of the driveway there is a pedestrian gate leading into Lerner Court (Photograph 10). The gate is held open and has an opening width of 165cm.
    • In addition to the three driveways, pedestrians with key cards can also access the College via the rear gate which is located outside University Library. The gate opens away from you (push) and is heavy (Photograph 11). The opening width is 90cm and the card reader height is 112cm. The rear gate gives access to Ashby Court.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The College site itself is mostly level with paths running around the edges of the courts and around the central library. The majority of paths are wide (150cm+) with a tarmac or flagstone/block paving surface (Photographs 12-15).
    • There are open passageways between courts with entrance widths of 96cm-115cm (Photographs 16 and 17). There are some paths which are narrowed by plants or furniture (Photographs 18 and 19).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Access into the buildings at Memorial Court varies and some have stepped access (Photographs 20 and 21). There is an external platform lift to overcome the steps at the Library entrance (Photograph 22) and some entrances have temporary or permanent ramps (Photographs 23 and 24). Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is limited directional signage around the College site (Photographs 25 and 26) which might mean those unfamiliar with the layout could need an escort or a map to reference.
    • There are many seats around the site for people to rest. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Gillespie Centre.
  • Useful Links View
  • AccessAble Related Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking (Central Drive)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders.
    • The car park is located along the driveway.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The route from the car park to the building is not accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The car park is located in Thirkill Drive and the Lerner Court access road.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There are some loose stones on the surface of the parking area.
      It may be possible to drop-off here but only with prior permission.

Site/Campus Car Park (Ashby Drive)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located along the access road leading to Lerner Court, off Queen's Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the ones in Lerner Court and R to P.
    • 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
  • 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.
    • There are parts of the parking areas that have loose stones on the surfaces.
      Access to this parking area is controlled by a security barrier.
      The security barrier has an intercom system.

Site/Campus Car Park (Thirkill Drive)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located along Thirkill Drive, off Queen's Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the ones in Thirkill Court and L to N.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • 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.
    • The majority of the parking area has a surface which consists of loose stones packed under a metal grid.
      Access to this parking area is controlled by a security barrier.
      The security barrier does not have an intercom system.

Getting To (The Porters' Lodge)

  • Location View
    • The Porters' Lodge is located at the front of the Campus, to the left immediately after the entrance gates.
    • The Porter's Lodge can be accessed via 12 steps from the car park and road entrance. These steps can be bypassed by using the paths from the two access roads on either side of the Porters' Lodge parking. The Porters' Lodge can also be accessed via the Ashby Court rear gate and going past the Library.
    • There is limited wayfinding signage along the route to the Porters' Lodge.
    • Clare College - Memorial Court link (new tab) - click here.

Approach (From Porters' Lodge Parking)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 10+ unmarked step(s), with no handrails.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 10cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps can be bypassed by paths from access roads on either side of the main campus entrance. They have slight slopes and are uneven (Photographs 4 and 5). The paths run along the front of the campus from Thirkill Drive and the Lerner Court Access road.

Approach (From the Campus)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Comments View
    • The slope with a very easy incline leads towards the Porters' Lodge from inside the Campus.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located just inside the main campus entrance gates.
    • This entrance gives access to the Porters' Lodge.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 109cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 125cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a free-standing hand sanitiser outside the door that is 96cm high.
    • The door is unlocked when staff are present so there is no need to use a key card / push button.
    • The mat beyond the entrance is slightly sunken and could be a trip hazard.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 89cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is wood.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • The Porter's Lodge is open 24 hours.
    • There are various pigeon holes for students, fellows and departments.
    • Keys are given/assigned here.
    • Payments can be taken here for overnight stays for conference or Fellows' guests. The card reader is 92cm high and non-detachable.
    • The Porter's Lodge has buzzers which go off if people are in need at refuge points or for a fire alarm in Campus. It will say which location has the issue.
    • Photographs 4 and 5 show the Campus maps available at the Porters' Lodge.

Inside Access

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
    • The type of flooring is wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This area does not play background music/sound.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.