You are on Summary. Skip to the next section.

Summary

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• Building View
  • Services / Facilities within the building include; an Events Hall, Gym, Music and Performance Practice rooms, a Drama studio, an Exercise/Yoga/Dance studio, a Launderette and a Faith and Quiet room.
  • The Mount Oswald Hub is a shared facility serving both John Snow College and South College.
  • John Snow College Main Building - The Heart link (new tab) - click here.
  • South College Main Building - Pitcairn Building link (new tab) - click here.
• Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on both floors.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on both floors.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on both floors.

You are on Getting Here (Mount Oswald Hub). Skip to the next section.

Getting Here (Mount Oswald Hub)

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• By Road View
  • The Mount Oswald Hub is located at the Mount Oswald site, next to South College and John Snow College, on The Approach, off the A177 South Road. The A177 links the "Cock o the North" Roundabout on the A167 Darlington Road with the south side of the City Centre.
  • There is a dedicated car park for staff and student permit holders, and for visitor's to the Hub, just past the building off The Approach. There is Blue Badge parking available. There is additional parking by John Snow College further along on The Approach
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • The nearest bus stops is on The Approach next to South College. It is served by bus routes 42 which connects directly with Durham railway station. In addition the PR2 bus service links the Howlands Park and Ride car park with the city centre.
  • For more information on the bus route 42 to South College, and PR2 to Howlands Park and Ride please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Durham.
  • Durham Railway Station is located approximately 2.7Km (1.7 miles) to the north of the Mount Oswald, on the far side of the city centre and River Wear. Buses run from outside the station to the city centre.
    This station is a category A station and has step free access to all platforms. Interchange between the platforms is via a subway. Lift access is available to the subway from both platforms.
  • For more information on trains to Durham please click here (opens new tab).
  • For more information on Durham Railway Station please click here (opens new tab).
• AccessAble Related Links View
  • Mill Hill Car Park AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.

You are on Useful Information. Skip to the next section.

Useful Information

• Disability Support is located on the ground floor in the Palatine Centre, and provides information, advice and guidance to prospective and current students who disclose a disability as well as students who think they may have a disability.
  The service is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate.
• To see more information on Disability Support please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Student Support and Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Applying To Durham please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on College Accommodation and Facilities please click here (opens new tab).
• To see more information on Accommodation and Allocations Office please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Building Parking. Skip to the next section.

Building Parking

• The building does have its own dedicated parking.

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• Building Car Park View
  • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders.
  • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • The car park is located to the right of the building off The Approach.
  • 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.
  • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 473cm.
  • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
  • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
  • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
  • The nearest designated bay is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
  • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
  • The car park surface is block paving.
• 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 John Snow College Car Park.
  • The car park is located off The Approach to the side of the college buildings.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

You are on Site/Campus Car Park (John Snow College Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Site/Campus Car Park (John Snow College Car Park)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the top end of the Mount Oswald site off The Approach.
  • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are John Snow College Main Building - The Heart, Blocks A3 and A4 Broadwick Street.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park surface is block paving.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm.
  • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
  • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
  • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders.
  • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Signs are clearly presented.
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • There is not a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
• Car Park Access View
  • There is step free access from this car park.
  • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
  • There is not a campus map available within the car park.

You are on Approach (From Car Park). Skip to the next section.

Approach (From Car Park)

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • The bollard(s) does/do not have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • There are gold coloured columns in front of the entrance.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • This entrance gives access to the ground floor entrance foyer and reception.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 158cm.
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
  • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is 99cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
  • The type of flooring in the reception area is stone.
• Reception Waiting Area View
  • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
  • There are sofas only in the waiting area.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

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

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • There is sloped/ramped access to room 112 Drama Studio and room 113 Exercise / Yoga Studio.
• Circulation View
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is stone, wood and carpet.
  • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
• 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 play background music in communal areas.
  • Music is played in the main hall and gym.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
• Comments View
  • The main Events Hall (photographs 4 to 7) may be subdivided for various uses. There are stackable tables 72cm high, with stackable chairs without armrests.
  • The Music and Performance Practice rooms are see in photographs 11 to 15.
  • The Drama studio and Exercise/ Yoga/ Dance studio are seen in photographs 16 to 19.
  • The Faith and Quiet room is seen in photographs 20 to 24.

You are on Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Drama Studio). Skip to the next section.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Drama Studio)

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• Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
  • There is a ramp/slope located in the entrance to the Drama Studio.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the Drama Studio.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
  • The ramp is seen in photographs 1 and 2.
• Ramped/Sloped Level Change 2 View
  • There is a ramp/slope located in the entrance to the Exercise/Yoga Studio.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access Exercise/Yoga Studio.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
  • The ramp is seen in photographs 3 and 4.

You are on Other Floors (Front Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Front Stairs)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The stairs are approximately 9m 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 the first floor.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do 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.

You are on Other Floors (Rear Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Rear Stairs)

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are located to the rear left of the building.
  • The stairs are approximately 30m from the main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available 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 and 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do 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.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift is located to the left as you enter.
• The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 weight limit for the lift is 1000kg 13 persons.
• There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on the first floor.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 192cm (4ft 1in x 6ft 4in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are good.

You are on Outside Access (Launderette). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Launderette)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the left side of the building.
  • This entrance gives access to the launderette.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with '014 Launderette'.
  • 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.
  • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
  • The height of the key card reader is 110cm.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
  • The exit push pad or push button is 94cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

You are on Launderette. Skip to the next section.

Launderette

• The launderette is located on the outside of the building to the left of the main entrance. The launderette has stacked washing machines with dryers above.
• The controls to the washing machines and dryers are all at the same height. There are also two larger dryers at low level. All machines require top-up card to operate them.
• The washing machine doors are 38cm from the ground. The stack dryers are 165cm high to the door handle. The highest controls for both are 108cm high.
• The large dryers are 42cm to the bottom of the door and 108cm to the highest controls.
• The top up machine is located to the far left as you enter. It is 110cm high to the highest control buttons.

You are on Gym. Skip to the next section.

Gym

• There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the gym.
• The door(s) open(s) away from you.
• The width of the door opening is 88cm.
• The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
• The door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
• The gym is not staffed.
• There is not an emergency alarm in the gym.
• There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
• There is level access to all of the equipment.
• Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes; free weights, arm cycles and cable resistance machines.
• Background music is not played.
• The flooring in the gym consists of carpet.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There are short steep ramps at the edges of the free weights area.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the building.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • 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 173cm x 236cm (5ft 8in x 7ft 9in).
  • 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a spatula type lever 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 pedal bin disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• 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 cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
  • 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
  • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • 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 86cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
• Comments View
  • There is a very similar accessible toilet facility in the same location on the first floor (photographs 7 to 12).

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located to the left as you enter.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • There are similar toilets in the same location on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift (photographs 11 to 20).