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Dunelm House

Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham , DH1 3AN

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the grounds include; Bar & Cafe, Staff Offices, Ballroom, Purple Radio, Art Room.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on Floor C and D.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on Floor A, B and C.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on Floor A, B and C.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on Floor D.
    • Baby changing facilities are located on Floor D.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the right of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the centre of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to Floor B.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Durham Student Union'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • 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 92cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the building.
    • There is/are 7 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 25cm.
    • 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 the right going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to Floor A.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • 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 126cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • 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 clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • There are manual double doors to enter and exit this entrance as well as automatic doors.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is tiles, carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
    • 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 77cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is obstructed.
    • There is bench seating only.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Eating and Drinking (Kingsgate)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café/bar.
    • The café/bar is located to the rear of the building.
    • There is step-free access to the café/bar.
    • For access there are double manual doors which is permanently held open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 120cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 89cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables, long tables and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café/bar.
    • The café/bar is located Floor C.
    • There is step-free access to the café/bar.
    • For access there are double manual doors which is permanently held open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 49cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 80cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 80cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 50cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 81cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables and bench seats.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
    • There is a ramp to access the higher platform in the café and bar, it is at a slight slope at 102cm wide.

Other Floors (Kingsgate)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located G and 1.
    • The stairs are approximately 21m from the Café/Bar Entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 14 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
    • 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 the left going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not 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 area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the seating area.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the centre of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are A, B, C and D.
    • 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 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 in the centre.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • Going down the stairs the stairs stand out visually, however when going up the stairs due to the text which is written on them will be difficult to see.

Lift

  • The lift is located on the left or right of each staircase.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are A, B, C and D.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 325kg.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on Floor D.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Floor D stairs.
    • 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 ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ 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 86cm.
    • 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 160cm x 217cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal 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.
    • 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 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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 97cm.
    • 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 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
  • 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 80cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a accessible toilet on Floor C, it is a right hand transfer toilet which is also accessible by wheelchair.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the left hand side as you past reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main 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 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the left hand side as you past reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m from the main 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 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located on Floor D.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the Floor D stairs.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on Floor C.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Floor C stairs.
    • 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 available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.