Access Guide
Summary
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the building include; a block of cluster flats with ensuite rooms and shared kitchen / dining facilities.
- Services / Facilities within the grounds include; launderette facilities in the Mount Oswald Hub.
- South College Main Building - Pitcairn Building link (new tab) - click here.
- Mount Oswald The Hub link (new tab) - click here.
- South College - Block B5 - Earhart, Lorde (for typical accessible room) link (new tab) - click here.
- John Snow College - Block A1 - Bridle (for typical standard room) link (new tab) - click here.
Accommodation Summary
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Parking and Transport
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- The accommodation has its own parking facilities.
- No secure parking is available.
- There is Blue Badge parking only in front of the block.
- There is not a designated drop off point.
- There is a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
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Residence Information
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- This residence is made up of a block of cluster flats on 4 floors buildings.
- The residence surveyed was Block 3 Concordia.
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Accessible Accommodation Information
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- The accommodation has 91 rooms in total.
- There is an/are accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
- The accommodation has 2 accessible room(s) with accessible bathroom facilities.
- There is/are 0 accessible room(s) with a ceiling track hoist.
- There is/are 2 accessible room(s) with a wet room/wheel in shower.
- There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible room(s).
- Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
- At the time of survey there was no access to the accessible bedrooms. However they are very similar to the surveyed room in Earhart block. Please see the relevant guide for details via the link in the Summary section.
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Standard Accommodation Information
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- There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
- Ground floor accommodation does have level access.
- There are standard rooms on other floors.
- The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
- Standard accommodation has ensuites with stepped shower cubicles.
- There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the standard room(s).
- For photographs of a typical standard ensuite room please see John Snow College - Block A1 - Bridle. The relevant link is in the summary section.
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Amenities and Communal Facilities
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- There is not a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
- Communal facilities within this residence include a staffed reception, a launderette, a common room, a recreation room, a bar and a study area.
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Additional Accessibility Aids
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- There is not a deaf alert system available on request.
- Vibrating pillows alarms are available on request.
- Bed raisers are not available on request.
- Portable hoists are not available on request.
Getting Here (South College)
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By Road
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- South College is located at the Mount Oswald site, 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. - Parking is limited at the site. There is a site car park which requires a permit to park. Permits can be issued to visitors on request. There are some Blue Badge bays adjacent to individual blocks for residents.
There is additional parking by John Snow College at the other end of the site.
There is also public parking at the Howlands Park and Ride on South Road, which is opposite South College. - For more information on the location of the college please click here (opens new tab).
- South College is located at the Mount Oswald site, on The Approach, off the A177 South Road.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- The nearest bus stops is on The Approach next to the 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).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Durham.
- Durham Railway Station is located approximately 2.5Km (1.6 miles) to the north of the college, 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
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).
Building Parking
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
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Building Car Park
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- The car park can be used by student permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- The car park is located in front of the block.
- 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 490cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
- The marked zone is 110cm 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 25m (27yd 1ft) from the block entrance.
- The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
- The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
- The name of the car park is South College car park.
- The car park is located off The Approach next to the Pitcairn Building.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Site/Campus Car Park (South College Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off The Approach, to the right as you enter the Mount Oswald site.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Pitcairn Building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 1 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by visitors, 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is a designated drop off point in this car park.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
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Car Park Access
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- 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.
- The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the lower side entrance of the Pitcairn Building.
- This entrance requires a key card for entry.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the side of the building.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Block 3 Concordia'.
- There is ramped/sloped 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.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- 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 104cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a similar door opposite in the entrance foyer.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the right of the entrance.
- 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.
Outside Access (Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, opposite the John Snow College buildings.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor, Block 3 Concordia.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Block 3 Concordia'.
- There is ramped/sloped 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.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 109cm.
- 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 104cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 94cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- 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.
Inside Access
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Access and Circulation
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- There is not step-free access throughout the building.
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This area does not play background music/sound.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located off the main lobby.
- The stairs are approximately 8m 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 and 3.
- 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.
Entrance (Cluster Flat 3)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor.
- This entrance gives access to Cluster Flat 3.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Cluster Flat 3'.
- There is step-free access 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 110cm.
- 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 87cm.
Kitchen/Dining Area
- The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
- Lowered work surfaces are available.
- There is a height adjustable work surface (which includes the sink and hob).
- 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 oven, the sink and the hob.
- Knee recesses are at least 80cm wide.
- There are some low level cupboards.
- The height of the dining table is 72cm.
- There are dining chairs with armrests only.
Accessible Toilet(s)
- There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.