Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a café, vending machines, upper floor seating, computer area and outdoor balcony seating.
- The Espresso Lab is located on the upper B level to the rear of the main entrance foyer.
- Related link Merchiston Building.
- Https://www.accessable.co.uk/edinburgh-napier-university/access-guides/merchiston-building
Opening Times
- Monday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 08:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
- Saturday 09:00 - 16:00.
- Sunday Closed.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Merchiston Campus is located to the southwest of the city centre area where parking is still strictly controlled.
The nearest main roads are the A702 or the A70 to the north which link the city bypass to the city centre. - There is a small car park including some Blue Badge designated bays to the rear of the Merchiston Building, off Mardale Crescent.
There is on-street parking to the front of the main building on Colinton Road and in the surrounding streets.
Parking charges may vary depending upon which side of the street is used, see signage for details and restrictions.
- Merchiston Campus is located to the southwest of the city centre area where parking is still strictly controlled.
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By Bus
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- The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses.
Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city.
All buses are described as easy access and have designated wheelchair space.
Bus route 45 serves the Colinton Road bus stops.
Alternatively, the Holy Corner bus stops on Bruntsfield Place A702, about 300m from the campus, are served by bus routes 11, 15, 16, 23, 36, 45, 101, 101A, 101S, 102, 102S, and night buses N11 and N16.
- The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses.
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By Train
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- Merchiston Campus is 1.2 miles from Haymarket Station, and 2.1 miles from the central Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline links Edinburgh to London King’s Cross. There is also a sleeper service.
There are also major links to other cities across the country, including express services to Glasgow, and links to York, Newcastle, Manchester, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.
All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, while many also stop at Haymarket in the West End.
- Merchiston Campus is 1.2 miles from Haymarket Station, and 2.1 miles from the central Edinburgh Waverley Station.
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By Tram
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- Regular trams run between York Place in the city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
The nearest tram stop to the Merchiston Campus is at Haymarket, next to the railway station.
- Regular trams run between York Place in the city centre and Edinburgh Airport.
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Useful Links
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- To view Edinburgh Trams accessibility information and journey planner website please use this link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- To view Scotland’s national public transport information service Traveline’s accessibility information website please use this link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- To view Lothian Buses accessibility information and journey planner website please use this link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on Disability and Inclusion Team please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0131 455 2929.
- Email: [email protected].
- Provide general advice and guidance about support for students with disabilities. There are also staff available with knowledge of specialist technology, software and equipment who can help, advise and support students to use these to study and learn.
- To see more information on Student Support please click here (opens new tab).
- This page gives more information on all of the Support Services available for students.
- To see more information on Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Email: [email protected].
- This page gives more information regarding the applications process.
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0131 455 3713.
- Email: [email protected].
- Details of the types of University accommodation available, and how to apply.
Site/Campus Car Park
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the rear of the main building, off Mardale Crescent.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Merchiston Building.
- 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 and signposted.
- There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 372cm x 400cm (12ft 2in x 13ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by 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 not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is level access to the car park from the Merchiston Building accessible rear entrance.
- This car park is not clearly signposted from the Merchiston Building.
- The nearest designated bay is 62m (67yd 2ft) from the accessible rear entrance.
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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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.
- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
- The name of the car park is Merchiston Campus car park.
- The car park is located to the rear of the main building, off Mardale Crescent.
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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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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 375cm x 490cm (12ft 4in x 16ft 1in).
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Colinton Road.
- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
- The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 240cm x 490cm (7ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
- The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Colinton Road and Mardale Crescent.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
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Comments
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- A parking permit is required to park in the rear University car park.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the right of the central courtyard.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 129cm (4ft 3in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
- The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
- There is / are 4 step(s) to access the entrance.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
- The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
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Comments
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- To access the courtyard area from the front of the building on Colinton Road there is an easy ramp leading down with handrail on both sides.
- The ramp through the courtyard tunnel is 120cm wide, shown in photographs 7 and 8.
- There are 5 clearly marked steps which the ramp bypasses on either side of the library entrance to the courtyard here.
- The steps offer handrails on both sides and tactile paving at the top.
- Photographs 9 and 10 show the separate steps.
Outside Access (Accessible Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building, to the lower floor, level A.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is not an intercom.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 127cm (4ft 2in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
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Comments
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- There are 15+ steps up to the main entrance courtyard area to the right of this entrance.
- This entrance provides access to the Triangle Restaurant and lift 4, which bypasses the steps.
- Lift 4 leads up to level B (main entrance/reception level) and Upper B level.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
- There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to level upper B / level B.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a standard lift which overcomes the steps.
- Photographs 9 and 10 show these steps to the left as you enter the main entrance.
Lift 4 to the rear of the foyer overcomes these steps. - There is/are 7 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to rooms B55A and B55B.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- Photographs 11 and 12 show these steps at the rear of Upper B level.
There are also standard toilets on the left beyond the steps. - There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Corridor A.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
- Photographs 13 and 14 show these steps to the front left of the building on Upper B level.
A wheelchair stairlift overcomes these steps. - There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
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Getting Around
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- There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
- There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
- There is some flooring in corridors 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 the majority of corridors.
- The lighting levels are good.
- This building does not play background music.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Hearing loops are fitted in the main lecture theatres.
There are also portable hearing loops available. - Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- There are height adjustable tables available in some classes.
- Photos 19 to 21 show the access to the Trimble Labs on floor E
- Photos 22 to 24 show the access to Merchison Pathway College Creation of new space and facilities on level H.
- The Laboratories School of Computing, Engineering and the Build Environment are located at rooms A5; A15; A16; A18; A19; A24; A25 B60; B62; C27; C28 and C30.
- There are height adjustable tables available in some classes.
Lift (Lift 4 - Entrance Foyer)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance, to the rear of the foyer.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are A, B and UB.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The weight limit for the lift is 630kg, 8 persons.
- The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 135cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 5in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
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Comments
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- The lift is 6m from the accessible rear entrance on the lower floor.
Entrance (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the Upper B level, to the right from lift 4.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- 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.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
Outside Access (Upper Floor Balcony Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the upper floor of the café.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 166cm (5ft 5in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in the doorway.
- There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
- The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is / are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
- The steps do not have handrails.
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Comments
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- There is some outdoor seating in this area.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a television on the wall to the rear seating area.
Eating and Drinking
- The following information is for the café.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 42cm (1ft 5in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 103cm (3ft 5in).
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks and meals.
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Comments
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- There is sofa seating on the upper floor.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear right of the café.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are UB and M.
- The lift is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the Lift 4.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 98cm x 142cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 8in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
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Comments
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- The lift has both button and lever control.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are UB and M.
- The stairs are located to the rear left of the café.
- The stairs are approximately 22m from the lift (Lift 4).
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
- There is a landing.
Level Change
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope is located on the upper café level, to the computing area.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located on the upper café level, to the computing area.
- There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
- The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located within the main building entrance foyer.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
- The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located within the main building.