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Howard Theatre

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 (The Howard Theatre)

  • Location View
    • The Howard Theatre is situated off West Lodge Garden on the Tennis Court Road side of the Campus.
    • The West Lodge Garden is located off the path directly in front of you after you enter the College via the Main Gate on Regent Street.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Howard Theatre.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; the Grace Howard Room, Theatre, Meeting Rooms 1 - 4 and the Human Resources Office.
    • Meeting Room 4 and the Human Resources Office can only be accessed via the Stage Staircase to the rear of the building.
    • Downing College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located next to the lift on the lower ground floor.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located next to the lift on the lower ground floor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located next to the lift on the lower ground floor.
    • Standard changing facilities are located to the rear of the stage on the first floor.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the east end of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the lift lobby and stairwell.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Howard Theatre 2009'.
    • 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 136cm.

Outside Access (Stage Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the theatre.
    • This entrance gives access to the backstage area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Howard Theatre Stage Entrance'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and wood.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways 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.
    • 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 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 a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • Comments View
    • The Grace Howard Room can be seen in photographs 1, 2 and 3.
    • Hot beverages are sometimes served here.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left after you enter via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1 and 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 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails do 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.
  • Other Information View
    • The handrail on the left is easy grip, the handrail on the right of the stairs is not.

Other Floors (Stage Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located just inside the stage entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the stage entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1 and 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 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • 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.
  • Other Information View
    • The room(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Meeting Room 4 and the Human Resources Office.
    • The handrail on the right is easy grip, the handrail on the left is not.

Lift

  • The lift is located to the left after you enter via the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the 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 B, G, 1, 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1600kg.
  • 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 medium.
  • The clear door width is 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 240cm.
  • 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 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 a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (Stalls)

  • Theatre Information View
    • The Stalls are located to the left after you exit the lift on the first floor.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s) on request.
    • There is a/are headset hearing assistance system(s) in the theatre(s).
    • The hearing assistance system does cover all areas of the theatre(s).
  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Stalls.
    • The theatre area is located to the left after you exit the lift on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • This information refers to the Stalls.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 40cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located on the basement floor, to the right after you exit the lift.
    • The seating is a mixture of flip down seats with handrails on both sides and moveable seats with no handrails.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) L.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located in the centre of the seats.
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • There is/are 9 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 10cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is good.
    • The lighting level at the steps during performances is low to moderate.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is designated seating available in this area.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located to the right and left of the Theatre.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • There is/are 10 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the stage from this seating area is restricted by pillar(s).
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (Gallery)

  • Theatre Information View
    • The Gallery is located to the left after you exit the lift on the second floor.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s) on request.
    • There is a/are headset hearing assistance system(s) in the theatre(s).
    • The hearing assistance system does cover all areas of the theatre(s).
  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Gallery.
    • The theatre area is located to the left after you exit the lift on the second floor.
    • There is step-free access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The 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 170cm.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • The information below describes access to the Gallery.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 60cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located on the basement floor, to the right after you exit the lift.
    • The seating is a mixture of flip down seats with handrails on both sides and moveable seats with no handrails.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • There is step-free access to the majority of seating.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is designated seating available in this area.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located to the right and left of the Gallery.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • There is/are 10 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the stage from this seating area is restricted by pillar(s).
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.

Standard Changing Room

  • Location and Access View
    • The standard changing room was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This standard changing room is located to the rear of the stage on the first floor.
    • This standard changing room is approximately 35m from the lift.
    • The standard changing room is approximately 8m from the stage.
    • There is step-free access to the standard changing room.
    • A key is required for the standard changing room.
    • The key is not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Porters' Lodge.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the standard changing room door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • There is no lock for the toilet door.
    • The width of the standard changing room opening is 77cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • The dimensions of the standard changing room are 172cm x 248cm.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the standard changing room include; a chair/stool, a toilet and a wash basin.
    • This is a shared changing room.
    • The type of flooring in the changing room is carpet and laminate.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the standard changing room.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is seating available within the changing room.
    • The seating within the changing room includes: a chair without armrests.
    • There are no lockers within the changing room.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • Disposal facilities are available in the changing room.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • The lighting levels in the changing room are good.
    • The width of the changing room is reduced to 112cm be the presence of a table.
  • Comments View
    • The wash basin in the toilet has a height of 82cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Basement - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after you exit the lift on the basement floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • 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 heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • 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 165cm x 225cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button 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 not 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 not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 (2ft 4in).
    • 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 a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Basement)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located ahead as you exit the lift on the basement floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the lift.
    • 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 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.