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SCR & Fleet Room

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 (The SCR & Fleet Room)

  • Location View
    • There is step-free access into the building from the West Lodge Garden Area. There is also stepped access to the South of the building.
    • To access the West Lodge Garden area of the College go straight ahead after you enter the College via the Main Gate in Regent Street and turn left on reaching the Howard Building.
    • Access from the West Lodge Garden area is a via the Fellows / Staff entrance which has a platform lift to bypass the steps. There is a stepped access to the South of the building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the SCR and Fleet Room.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; the TAO, Bursary and B Stair Offices on the first floor and the Dining Hall and Servery, located towards the East of the building.
    • Food for Fellows or conference attendees using the SCR and or Fleet Room may well have their food served in the Dining Hall.
    • Dining Hall & Servery link (new tab) - click here.
    • TAO, Bursary and B Stair Offices link (new tab) - click here.
    • Downing College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located between the main entrance into the Dining Hall & Servery entrance and in the corridor between the SCR and Fleet Room and the Dining Hall and Servery.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located between the main entrance into the Dining Hall & Servery entrance and in the corridor between the SCR and Fleet Room and the Dining Hall and Servery. There are also Staff only toilets just inside the Fellows / Staff Entrance.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located between the main entrance into the Dining Hall & Servery entrance and in the corridor between the SCR and Fleet Room and the Dining Hall and Servery. There are also Staff only toilets just inside the Fellows / Staff Entrance.

Outside Access (Fellows / Staff Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the staff area leading to the Fleet Room and the SCR.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • 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 not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 126cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift (Fellows / Staff Entrance - Currently out of service (September 2022))

  • The lift is located in front of the Fellows / Staff entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Fellows / Staff entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 250kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 85cm x 135cm (2ft 9in x 4ft 5in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.

Outside Access (SCR Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the South of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the corridor between the SCR / Fleet Room and the Dining Hall and Servery.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 23cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Meeting Room(s) (Fleet Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the room from a counter at a height of 89cm.

Breakout Space(s) (SCR)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 64cm and 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Fleet Room and SCR Area - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located between the Dining Hall and the SCR & Fleet Rooms.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the SCR / Fleet Room entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 80cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • 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 160cm x 240cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 10in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush 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 is fully functional.
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 120cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 94cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Fleet Room Area and SCR Area)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located along the corridor between the Fleet Room and SCR.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the SCR and Fleet Room entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • The toilet area can be seen in Photographs 1 and 2.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left as you enter from the Fellows / Staff entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Fellows / Staff entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The toilets are for staff and can be seen in Photographs 3 and 4.