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Castle End - Accessible Bedrooms

Clare College, Castle Court, Chesterton Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 3AA

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Clare College (Castle Court)

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Clare College has 3 sites; Memorial Court, Old Court and Castle Court. Castle Court is located in Chesterton Lane just to the north west of the city centre. 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 Castle Court there is parking between Castle House and Castlebrae. There are no designated 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
    • There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • The nearest bus stops to Castle Court are located in Chesterton Road, Northampton Street and Castle Street.
      The bus service that stops in Chesterton Road is 4 citi which links Cambridge to Cambourne and Lower Cambourne.
      The bus services that stop in Northampton Street are 4 citi, 8, X3 and Park & Ride which link Cambridge to Huntingdon, Cambourne, Papworth Everard, Hartford, Hilton and Madingley Rd Park-and-Ride.
      The bus services that stop in Castle Street are 5 citi and 6 citi which link Cambridge to Bar Hill, Oakington and Swavesey.
      The bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 1.1 kilometres away from Castle Court.
    • 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).
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main entrance to Castle Court is the access road off Chesterton Lane (Photograph 1). It has a steep upwards gradient and there is no footpath for pedestrians so care should be taken. The Porters' Lodge is located to the left as you enter.
    • The College site can also be accessed from Castle Street. There is a pedestrian entrance next to 12a Castle Street for key card holders (Photograph 2). The width of the gateway opening is 75cm and there is a 12cm step over the threshold. The height of the card reader is 140cm. There are 3 unmarked steps just beyond this entrance (Photograph 3). The steps have a handrail on the left.
    • There is also a vehicular entrance in Castle Street (Photograph 4). This entrance has a slight upwards gradient and the block paving surface is uneven in places. There is stepped access to other areas of the site from here.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • There is stepped access around much of the external areas on the western side of Castle Court site. There are 14 steps leading down to Ethelreda (Photograph 5) although these can be bypassed by using a path next to the Porters’ Lodge. There is a long slope, with a slight downwards gradient, leading down to Castle House from the car park (Photograph 6). At the end of this path there are 4 unmarked steps with no handrails leading down past the fire exit from the Blythe Room (Photograph 7). There are then further stepped level changes to the rear of (and leading down to) the Castle Street buildings (Photographs 8-10).
    • The main footpaths leading around the central and eastern areas of Castle Court site are step-free and mostly level with a few short sloped sections. (Photographs 11-14). The paths surfaces are mostly tarmac with some loose stone chippings. A few sections have a flagstone/block paving surface. Most paths are quite wide (150cm+).
    • There are some large boulders at the intersection of the paths between Castlebrae, Braeside and Castle End (Photographs 15 and 16).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • At the time of the survey there were resurfacing works taking place outside some of the Castle Street buildings.
    • Many of the buildings at Castle Court have stepped access into (Photograph 17) and around them although there is lift access in Castle End and a platform lift to overcome the steps outside the entrance (Photograph 18).
    • There is very limited directional signage around the site (Photograph 19) which means those unfamiliar with the layout may need an escort or a map to reference. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Castle End building. There are seats outside for people to rest (Photograph 20).
  • AccessAble Related Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located between Castle House and Castlebrae.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Castle House and Castlebrae.
    • 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
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
  • 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 parking area has a surface which consists of loose stones packed under a metal grid.
      There is also step-free access to some buildings from the car park, others have steps leading to them.
      There are an additional 2 parking bays outside the Gym.

Getting To (Castle End - Accessible Bedrooms)

Approach (Castle End)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac and block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Outside Access (Castle End - Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 140cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 116cm from floor level.
    • 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 77cm.
    • 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 9 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 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift (Castle End - Main Entrance Lift)

  • The lift is located in front of the entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Castle End Main Entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 500kg.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 85cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 87cm x 121cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Laundrette)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located below the Castle End Main Entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to the Laundrette.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 111cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 74cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are a total of 4 washers and 2 dryers within the laundrette.
    • The controls are at heights between 105cm and 115cm.
    • There are also 2 ironing boards with irons as well as a 93cm high sink.
    • Payment is taken via phone by using the QR code located on the washers/dryers.

Getting Around (Ground Level)

  • 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 laminate, tiles and stone.
    • 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.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • 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.

Accommodation (Room 3)

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located in Castle End on the ground level. There are two rooms, this room (3) and room 2.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • All accessible rooms of this type have identical specifications.
    • Residents need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
    • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
  • Accessible Room Features View
    • The accessible room surveyed is located on the ground level to the left as you enter, off the main corridor.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was 3.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
    • The door is manual with a key card lock.
    • The fob/card reader height is 106cm.
    • The width of the door is 86cm.
    • There are not lowered spy holes available.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is good.
    • The bed height is not adjustable.
    • The height of the bed is 56cm (1ft 10in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 3cm (1in).
    • The bed is moveable.
    • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 73cm.
    • The desk is not height adjustable.
    • The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
    • The room surveyed had a height adjustable chair without armrests.
    • Wardrobes have not been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
    • The window controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the room.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • The colour contrast between the room walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels in the room are moderate to good.
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is good.
    • The bathroom door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 86cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is good.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 235cm x 223cm.
    • The bathroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
    • 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 immediately next to or behind the toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is no soap available.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 150cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The colour 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 rails 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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).
  • Shower Details View
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is hand held.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There are two vertical grab rails to assist standing users.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are good.

Standard Accommodation

  • There is step-free access to standard accommodation.
  • The standard accommodation surveyed was Room 1.
  • The standard accommodation surveyed is located on the ground level.
  • The standard accommodation surveyed has an ensuite with a shower.
  • There is a height adjustable desk available in the room surveyed. The majority of standard rooms do not have a height adjustable desk.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located in Castle End, outside the meeting rooms.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Level)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the ground floor, next to the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Castle End Main 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 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter via the Castle End Main Entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the Castle End Main Entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • 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 left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is not a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift

  • The lift is located to the right as you enter via the Castle End Main Entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Castle End 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 G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 79cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 106cm 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 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 moderate to good.