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Vijay Patel Building - Arts Tower

De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE2 7DR

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Parking

  • This venue does not have its own car park; the nearest car park is at the rear of Portland Building.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There is 1 designated parking bay within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay are 3.8m x 5.4m (12ft 5in x 17ft 8in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 50m (55yd) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • There are standard marked on-street parking bays slightly nearer on Newarke Close.
  • Parking is free for DMU Disabled/Temporary Disabled Parking Permit holders and pre-booked visitors.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot be booked in advance unless an external visitor (visitor spaces in Gateway House).

Getting Here

Useful Information

Outside Access (Arts Tower South Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the south east of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm (5ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Outside Access (Arts Tower North Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Newarke Close.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 135cm (4ft 5in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 135cm (4ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 9 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Reception

  • Reception and Student Advice Centre is located ahead as you enter.
  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Arts Tower South entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to Lifts VP1 and VP4.
    • The ramp or slope does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp is level change 1 can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to 4.54 - 4.64.
    • The ramp or slope does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp is level change 2 can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written, tactile and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors 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 in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • The portable loop is located at reception.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Counter (Art & Design Material Shop)

  • The desk is 41m (44yd 2ft) from the Arts Tower South entrance.
  • Art & Design Material Shop Counter is located on the ground floor, in the Art & Design Material Shop.
  • Clear signage for the counter is visible from the entrance.
  • There is ramped access to this counter.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 20m from the Arts Tower South entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase located next to the VP2, VP3 and VP4 lifts that access floors 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. There is a staircase located next to VP1 lift which accesses all floors.

Lift (VP1)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the end of the corridor in the Arts Tower.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Arts Tower south entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 163cm x 140cm (5ft 4in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lift (VP2 and VP3)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 (Arts Tower) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (Design Building).
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Arts Tower South entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 198cm x 150cm (6ft 6in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lift (VPN4)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 (Arts Tower) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Design Building.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Arts Tower South entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 120cm x 260cm (3ft 11in x 8ft 6in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lift (VP5 - First Floor Design Building Platform Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the first floor, near lifts 2, 3 and 4.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the VP3 lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 95cm x 140cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located near to lifts VP2, VP3 and VP4.
    • The facility is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the Arts Tower South entrance.
    • There is not level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from reception.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 190cm x 300cm (6ft 3in x 9ft 10in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is mobile.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
    • Drop down rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is not available.
    • It is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from the floor).
  • Accessible Shower View
    • Accessible shower facilities are available.
    • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
    • The height of the seat is 57cm (1ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • Within the changing place there is a partition between the toilet and sink in one half and the bench and shower in the other half.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located next to the changing place.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 31m (33yd 2ft) from the Arts Tower South entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of the Arts Tower.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 260cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 6in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 102cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the VP4 lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 190cm (5ft x 6ft 3in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift VP2.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor, after turning right on exiting the lift turn right at the next available opportunity.
    • There are similar accessible toilets located on the fourth, sixth and eight floors (shown in photographs 2, 3 and 4).
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 215cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 1in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Third Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the VP2 lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the third floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There are similar toilets located on the fifth, seventh, ninth and eleventh floors (shown in photographs 2, 3 and 4).
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 225cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on the ground floor, the third floor, the fourth floor and the tenth floor.
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the first floor and the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located near the entrance to the Arts Tower.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 24m from the Arts Tower South entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.