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Kenny A

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.

Getting To (Kenny A)

  • Location View
    • Kenny A is located towards the North West of the Campus.
    • Kenny A is located at the end of 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 Kenny A.
    • Downing College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the entrance foyer and stairwell.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'A'.
    • There is stepped 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 120cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 115cm 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 70cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of 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 height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the flats to the right ground floor of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 94cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the ramp.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are 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 and tiles.
    • 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.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery 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.
  • 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 not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located in the main entrance foyer area.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the main 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 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 the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the standard accommodation on the first and second floors.

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 80cm.
  • The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is a knee recess under a work surface.
  • A knee recess is provided adjacent to the sink and the hob.
  • Knee recesses are at least 80cm wide.
  • There are some low level cupboards.

Accommodation

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • All accessible rooms of this type have similar 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 right of 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 100cm.
    • The width of the door is 85cm.
    • 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 5cm (2in).
    • The bed is not moveable.
    • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 75cm.
    • 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 66cm x 78cm.
    • The room surveyed had an armchair and 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 outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 85cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 240cm x 170cm.
    • The bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is high.
    • There is not an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
  • 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 backrest.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 173cm.
    • 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 low.
    • 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 low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • Shower Details View
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The shower control type is twist/turn.
    • Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
    • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is a single vertical grab rail to assist standing users.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is poor.
  • Comments View
    • Room 5 can be seen in photographs 1 -7.
    • Room 6 can be seen in photographs 8 - 11.

Accessible Toilet(s)

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

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.