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Riley Auditorium (Gillespie Centre)

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 (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.

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.

Getting To (The Gillespie Centre – Riley Auditorium)

  • Location View
    • The Gillespie Centre is located to the rear right-hand side of the Campus, next to Lerner Court and through a cut through from Ashby Court. Riley Auditorium is on floors -1 and -2.
    • The Gillespie Centre can be accessed via the path from the Porters' Lodge round the Library and through the cut through to the right of Ashby Court. Alternatively, from the Ashby Court gates, the cut through is on the left. From the cut through the Gillespie Centre is on the left. Riley Auditorium is accessible by lift or stairs (-1 for the rear and -2 for the front).
    • There is wayfinding signage along the route to the Gillespie Centre – Riley Auditorium.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; the Elton & Bowring Rooms, the Garden & Glover Rooms, Fellows' Offices, Computer Room, accessible and standard toilets/cloakrooms. The building links to the Lerner Court Accommodation Block via a door in the stairwell.
    • Clare College - Memorial Court link (new tab) - click here.
    • Garden Room - Glover Rooms (Gillespie Centre) link (new tab) - click here.
    • Elton/Bowring Room (Gillespie Centre) link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after you enter the centre.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after you enter the centre.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after you enter the centre.

Approach (Gillespie Centre)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach consists of resin-bound compacted gravel as well as the block and brick paving.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • Comments View
    • The approach is even and is not narrowed substantially by a table and chairs before the building. There is a covered path to the entrance door or in between pillars which are approximately 225cm wide apart.

Outside Access (The Gillespie Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right-hand side of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of The Gillespie Centre and Lerner Court via a connecting corridor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The Gillespie Centre'.
    • There is step-free 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) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 102cm from floor level.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and wood .
    • 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 good 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 good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • 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 venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • The two doors in the corridor on the ground floor between the toilet and the main entrance are permanently held open but could be closed at times (Photograph 2).

Lift (Gillespie Centre)

  • The lift is located directly ahead from the Gillespie Centre main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Gillespie Centre 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 2, 1, G, -1, -2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • There is a manual door on the first and second floor from the lift lobby area into the Lerner Accommodation Block.
  • 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 fair.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 89cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 137cm.
  • 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 not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Other Floors (Gillespie Centre)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located on the ground floor, to the left of the lift.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the Gillespie Centre main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 1, G, -1, -2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • 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 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Comments View
    • The flight of stairs to floors -2, -1 and from the ground floor (0) to the first floor consist of wooden flooring. The staircase to floor 2 consists of carpet.
    • There is an alternative similar carpeted stairwell accessed via manual doors on the opposite side of the building. This gives access to both levels of The Riley Auditorium, Garden Room and the Elton & Bowring Rooms (Photographs 6, 7). The stairs are clearly marked, 17cm high and have a tread depth of 25cm.

Entrance (Floor -1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Floor -1 directly ahead as you exit the lift.
    • This entrance gives access to the Riley Auditorium.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The Riley Auditorium'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 184cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The first and second set of doors can stay ajar once opened. The second single, manual door has a key card reader on the handle at a height of 106cm. There is another entrance on the opposite side of the higher level / top of the Auditorium. This accesses the alternative stairwell to Floor -2, 0 (Garden Room) and 1 (Elton / Bowring Rooms). There are two manual doors with a key card reader on one handle at a height of 107cm from the Auditorium.

Entrance (Floor -2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Floor -2 directly ahead as you exit the lift.
    • This entrance gives access to the Riley Auditorium.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The Riley Auditorium'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 182cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • There is a key card reader on the handle of the second entrance door. This is on the corridor side between the two entrance doors at 107cm high. There is another entrance on the opposite side of lower level / bottom of the Auditorium. This accesses the alternative stairwell to Floor -1, 0 (Garden Room) and 1 (Elton / Bowring Rooms). There are two manual doors with a key card reader on one handle at a height of 107cm high.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Riley Auditorium)

  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s) from the corridor.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front and at the back.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 71cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the lectern is 112cm.
  • The lectern is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are not even.
  • The designated seating is shown in Photographs 4 and 5. There are a few extra chairs with no armrests at the rear of the Auditorium (Photograph 8). The fixed seating has collapsible / foldable tables which can be used (Photograph 9). There are electrical access covers which could be a trip hazard.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Gillespie Centre - Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of the Gillespie Centre, in the corridor off the right hand side of the lift/stair lobby.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main 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 and written text 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 86cm.
    • 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 178cm x 250cm (5ft 10in x 8ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • 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 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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).
    • 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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • 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 113cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Comments View
    • This cubicle is signed for the use of Fellows and Staff only.

Standard Toilet(s) (Gillespie Centre - Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor, to the right after you enter the centre.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the Gillespie Centre Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.