You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Mill Hill Lane is a large building with 6 levels.
  • The building has 1 main lift.
  • The building has 1 main staircase.
  • The building levels are signed as: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • There are three enclosed platform lifts to overcome changes in levels in circulation routes.
  • View information on Mill Hill Lane.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The building has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Durham.
  • This station has step-free access.
  • The nearest bus station is Durham Bus Station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building is ramped.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The most accessible entrance surveyed was the main entrance.
• This entrance gives access to the reception on level 4.
• There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
• There are more than 10 other entrances.
• More than 5 of the other entrances have step-free access via very easy slope.
• 5 of the other entrances have stepped access.
• 3 of the other entrances have step-free access via ramp.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is a standard lift between levels 4 and 2, with several platform lifts for level changes within the building.
  • Levels 5 and 6 are accessed via stairs only.
  • The main entrance is on level 4 to the front of the building.
  • The garden entrance is on level 2 to the rear of the building from the inner courtyard.
  • The front part of the building, the central corridor and the atrium consists of two levels; levels 2 and 4.
  • The right hand side corridors that run front to the rear of the building are on levels 1, 3, 5 and 6, accessed via platform lifts or stairs.
  • Level 2 in the centre changes down to a lower level via platform lift or stairs to the rear but is still called level 2.
  • Step-free access to 3 and 4 is via a platform lift.
  • This is located to the front right corner of the building.
  • Step-free access to levels 2 and 1 is via a platform lift.
  • This is located to the front right corner of the building.
  • Step-free access to lower level 2 from front level 2 is via a platform lift.
  • This is located in the front centre of the building.
• Circulation View
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include pillars.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor along circulation routes.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located to the front and rear of the central corridor on level 2, and to the rear of level 3, and the front of level 4 on the right hand corridor.
  • The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptation on level 2 in room 221 is also signed for used as a gender neutral toilet.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in all standard toilets with cubicles.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the front or rear of each level on the right hand corridor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities with stepped access are located on levels 5 and 6.
• Washroom and Shower Facilities View
  • Shower facilities with adaptations are located within the level 2 toilet with adaptations (room 221).
  • Standard shower facilities are located to the front and rear of level 1 on the right hand corridor.

You are on Rooms and Services in the Building. Skip to the next section.

Rooms and Services in the Building

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• Lecture Theatres View
  • View information on MHL403 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL405 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL452 (opens new tab).
• Teaching Rooms View
  • View information on MHL223 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL224 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL427 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL453 (opens new tab).
• Seminar Rooms View
  • View information on MHL240 (opens new tab).
• Computer Rooms View
  • View information on MHL209 (opens new tab).
• Meeting Rooms View
  • View information on MHL210 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL213 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL214 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL215 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL238 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL239 (opens new tab).
  • View information on MHL417 (opens new tab).
• Spaces View
  • View information on MHL404 (opens new tab).
• Eating and Drinking View
  • View information on Mill Hill Lane - Fusion Restaurant (opens new tab).

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located to the front of the building opposite the main entrance; there is also parking to both sides of the building with Blue Badge bays.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 484cm (depth).
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 104cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 31m from the main entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp.
  • The Blue Badge bays in the left side parking are the most accessible to the garden entrance, they are 55m from the entrance with a slight ramp.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for permit holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Visitors can obtain a temporary permit.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Main Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Main Entrance

• This entrance is located to the front of the building on level 4.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is ramped and stepped access at the entrance.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide.
• There is a handrail on the left going down.
• There are 6 steps.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 178cm.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 178cm.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• The ramp to access the entrance is long with no stopping areas.

You are on Garden Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Garden Entrance

• This entrance is located to the central rear of the building, in the corner of garden courtyard on level 2.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 210cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 93cm.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Location View
  • The reception is located at the main entrance on level 4.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 6m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 111cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Main Lift (Centre - Level 2 and 4). Skip to the next section.

Main Lift (Centre - Level 2 and 4)

• The lift surveyed is located straight ahead from main reception on left.
• The distance from the reception is 21m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • Levels 2 and 4 only can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 146cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Platform Lift (Centre - Level Change on Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift (Centre - Level Change on Level 2)

• The lift surveyed is located on level 2 in the centre of the building between front and rear parts of the building.
• The distance from the main lift is 16m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• This lift is an enclosed platform lift.

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• Enclosed Platform Lift View
  • The level change on level 2 between the front and rear of the building can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 100cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 100cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • The lift is slow moving.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is a slight ramp on the lower level at access the lift.

You are on Platform Lift (Right Side - Level 2 to 1). Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift (Right Side - Level 2 to 1)

• The lift surveyed is located to the front right side of the building.
• The distance from the main lift via the Platform Lift (Centre - Level Change on Level 2) is 41m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
• This lift is an enclosed platform lift.

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• Enclosed Platform Lift View
  • The levels 2 and 1 can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium colour contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 101cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 101cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • The lift is slow moving.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Platform Lift (Right Side - Level 4 to 3). Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift (Right Side - Level 4 to 3)

• The lift surveyed is located to the front right side of the building.
• The distance from the main entrance is 50m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
• This lift is an enclosed platform lift.

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• Enclosed Platform Lift View
  • The levels 4 and 3 can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium colour contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 102cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 100cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
  • The control buttons have a high colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • The lift is slow moving.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is slight ramp to enter at level 3.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located to the right front corner of the building.
• The levels 1 to 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• A limited area of level 2 is accessed by these stairs.
• There are manual double doors to access the stairs on some levels.

You are on Seating Area (Level 2 Atrium). Skip to the next section.

Seating Area (Level 2 Atrium)

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• Location and Access View
  • The atrium area on level 2 is a seating and study area.
  • The most accessible route has a lift.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access via lift to this area.
  • The lift bypasses steps.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas, riser recliner chairs and benches.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and booths.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Courtyard Garden. Skip to the next section.

Courtyard Garden

• The courtyard garden is an outdoor area with planting and seating. There is an outside seating area by the garden entrance and Fusion restaurant entrance where food can be eaten.
• This area has surfaced footpaths.
• Surfaced footpaths consist of: paving slabs.
• Footpaths are step-free and level.
• The footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Level 2 - Room 221 - Right Hand Transfer and Shower). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 2 - Room 221 - Right Hand Transfer and Shower)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear centre of the building on level 2, next to the restaurant.
  • The distance from the garden entrance is 10m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial, written text, 'Not All Disabilities Are Visible' and numbered signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 254cm (width) x 250cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 187cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 122cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a varying colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 140cm and 145cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Shower Facilities View
  • There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
  • The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
  • There are grab rails for the shower.
  • The grab rails for the shower have a varying colour contrast.
  • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
  • The dropdown rails for the shower have a varying colour contrast.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Level 4 - Room 430 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 4 - Room 430 - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the right front corner of the building on level 4.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 50m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There are manual doors along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial, written text, 'Not All Disabilities Are Visible' and numbered signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 232cm (depth).
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a varying colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 51cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 118cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a varying colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a long mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 142cm and 148cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.