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Castle End - Meeting Room(s)

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 (The Meeting Room(s))

  • Location View
    • The Castle End Meeting Room(s) is/are located on the ground level of the Castle End Building.
    • The Castle End Building is located to the northeast of the site and can be accessed step-free via the Chesterton Lane Entrance.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Castle End.
    • Clare College - Castle Court link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground level, ahead as you enter via the Castle End Meeting Rooms Entrance.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground level, off both the Main and Meeting Room Entrance lobbies.

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 (Castle End - Meeting Room(s) Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the Castle End Meeting Room(s).
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 112cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 107cm 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 76cm.
    • 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 a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • 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 depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

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 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.

Meeting Room(s)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • There is a exit push button to release the catch on the door when exiting. The exit push button is 116cm in height. There is one large meeting room that can be partitioned off into three separate rooms if required. Internal access only provides direct access to one meeting room when the partitions are in use. There are 84cm wide doors in the partition walls that allow for access between the three rooms (Photograph 7). The partitions were in use at the time of surveying. Direct access to the two additional rooms is external via single, heavy, manual, outwards opening doors that are 76cm in width (Photograph 10).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Level)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter via the Castle End Meeting Room(s) Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Castle End Meeting Room(s) 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
    • 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 136cm x 175cm (4ft 6in x 5ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail.
    • 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.
    • 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 good.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • 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 not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the left and a horizontal grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Level)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located ahead and to the left as you enter via the Castle End Meeting Room(s) Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the Castle End Meeting Room(s) 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 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.