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Howard Lodge

Downing College, Regent Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1DQ

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Downing College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Downing College is situated in Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the campus is located in Regent Street. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Downing College has limited on-site car parking. The main parking area is located along North Range where there are 5 Blue Badge parking pays. There are some Fellows' parking bays in the area behind the Lord Butterfield Bar & Café but they were blocked off at the time of the survey. The College also leases parking for postgraduates outside some of the buildings in Lensfield Road. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. At Downing College there are many sheltered cycle stands available on-site along the North Range access road and also in the service yard outside Battcock Lodge.
    • For more information on getting to Downing College by road 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
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located in Regent Street. Access is via a single pedestrian gate with a card reader which is situated to the left of the vehicular entrance (Photograph 1). The gate may be difficult for some to open and has an opening width of 100cm. The height of the card reader is 102cm.
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via the Howard Gate which is a pedestrian entrance situated in the Downing site of the University of Cambridge (Photograph 2). The gate opens automatically away from you and is activated by either pressing the button (height 112cm) or using the card reader (height 110cm). The card reader must be used outside the hours of 10.00 – 16.30.
    • Key card holders can also access the site via a pedestrian gate in Lensfield Road between Buildings 34 and 36 (Photograph 3). The gate is single, opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some to open. The height of the card reader is 115cm and the opening width of the gateway is 110cm. There is a short steep downhill slope along the path just beyond this entrance (Photograph 4).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the designated Blue Badge bays in the North Range area there is open step-free access to the network of paths around external areas of the Downing College site. The site is mostly level with wide paths (150cm+) but path surfaces do vary. The paths that run around the large central grass area (The Quadrangle and The Paddock) have a gravel surface that may not be suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments (Photographs 5-8). Other areas have surfaced paths of various types (flagstone paving, tarmac, concrete, block paving and resin bound gravel) (Photographs 9-12). Most of the surfaced paths have a flat, smooth surface except some in the area outside Kenny A which is slightly uneven (Photograph 13).
    • There is stepped access to the West Lodge Garden. The steps do not have handrails (Photographs 14 and 15). The external parts of the site are otherwise step-free except for access into buildings.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Downing College have stepped access into and around them (Photographs 16 and 17). Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings. There are some buildings which have been adapted to make them step-free, including access ramps to bypass external steps (Photographs 18 and 19) and internal lifts to access other floors. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is not much directional signage around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Porters’ Lodge and B Stair near the Dining Hall.
    • There are some bollards along paths and access routes. All bollards have a good colour contrast with the path surfaces. The width between the bollards is at least 90cm (Photographs 20-21).

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (North Range Parking)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Regent Street, past the Porters' Lodge, along the access road behind the Chapel.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those at the north side of the site.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 245cm x 470cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • 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 a campus map available within the car park.
  • Comments View
    • The car park surface is mostly resin bound gravel with some loose gravel surface electric vehicle and standard parking bays.
    • There are 8 electric vehicle charging points.

Building Parking (Howard Building)

  • 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 to the rear of the Howard Building.
    • 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 accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are loose chippings.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is North Range Parking.
    • The car park is located along the North Range access road.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Getting To (Howard Lodge)

  • Location View
    • Howard Lodge is situated off West Lodge Garden on the Tennis Court Road side of the Campus.
    • The ground floor of the building can be accessed off West Lodge Garden via the Quadrangle from the Main Gate.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Howard Lodge.
    • Downing College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Rooms 4 & 5)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off West Lodge Garden.
    • This entrance gives access to Rooms 4 & 5.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Howard Lounge Rooms 4 & 5'.
    • 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.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 104cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar entrances into Rooms 1, 2 and 3 (Photograph 3) and into Rooms 6, 7 and 8 (Photograph 4).

Outside Access (Upper Floors)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Howard Building Car Park.
    • This entrance gives access to the upper floors of Howard Lodge.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Howard Lodge'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 96cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • 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.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.

Accommodation

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located on the ground floor within the Rooms 4 & 5 entrance to the building off West Lodge Gardens.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • All accessible rooms of this type have identical specifications.
    • Residents do not 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 to the left after you enter the building.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was Room 5.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
    • The door is manual with a key card lock.
    • The fob/card reader height is 104cm.
    • The width of the door is 76cm.
    • There are not lowered spy holes available.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
    • The bed height is not adjustable.
    • The height of the bed is 60cm.
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 5cm (2in).
    • The bed is not moveable.
    • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • A member of staff can reconfigure the room furniture to create a turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 76cm.
    • The desk is not height adjustable.
    • The desk knee recess does not have the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
    • The height and depth of the knee recess is 65cm x 76cm.
    • The room surveyed had a desk 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 not an emergency alarm in the room.
    • There is not 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 high.
    • The lighting levels in the room are good.
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The bathroom door opens by sliding.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 76cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is low.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 225cm x 250cm.
    • The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The bathroom has not got a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm in the ensuite is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are pedal bin disposal units.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 80cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • Taps do not have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a bar of soap available.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
    • The width of the area in front of the toilet is restricted to 153cm due to the presence of the bath.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 60cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 high.
    • 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 high.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Bath Details View
    • The ensuite has a bath.
    • The height of the side of the bath from floor level is 55cm (1ft 10in).
    • The length of the bath is 145cm.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • Bath taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a shower over the bath.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the bath.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the wall which is the full length of the bath.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the wall near to the taps.
    • The colour contrast between the bath wall-mounted grab rails and wall is high.
    • There is a door to access the bath/shower which has a width of 60cm. There is a step to access the bath/shower at a height of 20cm.
  • Comments View
    • Vibrating pillows are available on request.
    • Bed risers are not available.
    • There is no portable hoist available.

Kitchen/Dining Area

  • The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
  • The door is not push pad activated.
  • Lowered work surfaces are not available.
  • The height of the lowest work surface is 90cm.
  • The kitchen does not have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
  • There are some low level cupboards.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right after you enter via the upper floors entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the upper floors entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 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 16cm.
    • 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 both sides.
    • 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 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.

Lift

  • The lift is located to the left after you enter via the upper floors entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the upper floors 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.
  • 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 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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.

Accessible Toilet(s)

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

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.