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Porters' Lodge

Fitzwilliam College, Storey's Way , Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0DG

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Fitzwilliam College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Fitzwilliam College is on the northwest side of Cambridge, between Huntingdon Road and Storey's Way and it can be accessed from both roads. The main entrance is located on Storey's Way.
    • Fitzwilliam College has two car parks, one at the main (south) entrance on Storey's Way, the other on Huntingdon Road (north entrance). If you are a visitor and wish to use the car park please report to the Porters' Lodge on Storey's Way. If you are a conference guest you must speak to your conference organiser. In addition, on-street car parking is available along Storey's Way by the College entrance. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. The College has plenty of on-site storage for bicycles, including to the rear of Blocks A-D and next to the Porters' Lodge.
    • For more information on visiting Fitzwilliam College please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main (south) entrance to the College site is located at the south side of the College site off Storey’s Way. Access is to the right of the Porters’ Lodge and through a foyer out to Gatehouse Court.
    • The first door is level, with a slightly raised threshold, and opens automatically with a key card (photograph 1). The width of the door opening is 96cm and the height of the car reader is 104cm.
    • The second door to exit, at the rear of the foyer, is power assisted and opens away from you (photograph 2).
    • The opening width of the door is 93cm. After exiting the foyer there is a sloped path with a slight upwards gradient leading out to Gatehouse Court (photograph 3).
    • Alternative pedestrian access to the site, for key card holders, is via the north entrance which is located off Huntingdon Road next to the main car park (photograph 4).
    • Access to this entrance is via ramp or steps to either side (the ramps can be used to bypass the steps). The ramp to the right of the entrance has an easier gradient (photograph 5).
    • There are two steps to the right of the entrance and four steps to the left. Both sets have handrails on both sides. Photograph 6 shows the steps to the left of the entrance which can be bypassed by a ramp.
    • There are two sets of doors at this entrance (photographs 7 and 8). The first set of doors is key card activated and opens automatically towards you. The width of the door opening is 88cm and the height of the card reader is 92cm. There is also an intercom system at a height of 110cm. The second door opens automatically away from you and has an opening width of 84cm. This entrance gives access to the site through D Block next to Tree Court.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The external areas of the College site have an extensive network of paths. The paths mostly have a flagstone paving surface which may be slightly uneven in places (photographs 9 to 15).
    • At time of survey (September 2025) construction work had altered the access routes around the campus.
    • With access between Gatehouse Court and New Court and the rest of the campus being via a manned crossing situated between Gatehouse Court and Wilson Court (photograph 16).
    • There is an access road to the rear of Blocks J to S that has a tarmac surface
    • The walkways around Fellows' Court are tiled (photograph 17).
    • Due to ongoing construction works at the time of survey (September 2025) the most accessible route into Fellows Court is via the path located towards the north of Tree Court (photograph 18).
    • Due to ongoing construction works at the time of survey (September 2025) the alternative route to access Fellows Court is heavily restricted and only has a width of 67cm at its narrowest point (photograph 19).
    • The site is mostly quite flat, however, there are some stepped and sloped sections along the paths. Steps can be bypassed by taking alternative routes. There are bench seats for resting throughout the College site.
    • The Chapel and it's immediate surroundings are closed at time of survey (September 2025) due to construction work.
    • A temporary chapel has been established within the Trust Room in stairway L.
    • There are some steep gradients on sections of the paths, such as; outside the Auditorium, outside Block L (photograph 20) and leading down to the Hall Building in Tree Court (photograph 21).
    • Stepped sections between The Grove and the Hall Building and outside Block L (photograph 22) can be bypassed using the Tree Court paths with steep slopes.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • There is extensive directional signage around the College site which makes navigation easier for those unfamiliar with the layout (photographs 23).
    • The signage is consistent and clearly presented with good colour contrast.
      Accessible toilet facilities are located in the main (south) entrance foyer, the Hall Building, Wilson Court and the Auditorium.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (South Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the College site, off Storey's Way.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porters' Lodge and the Gatehouse.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 319cm x 432cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone only at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 71cm wide.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • 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.
    • The nearest designated bay is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the South/Main Entrance.
    • Of the two blue bade bays one is clearly marked and signposted and the other is just signposted.
      The path leading to the South/Main Entrance from the car park is 125cm wide .
      There is an area off this car park specifically for Fellows' parking.
      There are two electric vehicle charging available in the car park.

Site/Campus Car Park (North Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the College, off Huntingdon Road.
    • 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff and visitors.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • 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.
    • Of the two blue badge bays one has hatched marking on either side and the other on both sides.
      There are four electric vehicle charging bays available within the car park.

Getting To (The Porter's Lodge)

  • Location View
    • The Porters' Lodge is located on the ground floor of the entrance building to the College.
    • This area can be accessed off Storey's Way from outside the College or off Gatehouse Court from inside the College.
    • There is wayfinding signage along the route to the Porters' Lodge.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; the Porters' Lodge and Pigeon Holes for student post.
    • Located nearby are additional staff offices, the IT Offices and the Bursary Offices. There is also a lift and stairs to take you to additional offices on the upper floors.
    • Fitzwilliam College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the area to the rear of the Porters' Lodge where the Pigeon Holes are located.

Outside Access (Porters' Lodge External Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the College's southern entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to the Porters' Lodge.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Porters' Lodge'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
  • Comments View
    • The Porters' Lodge can also be entered or exited via a single, manual, heavy door with a width of 75cm from within the Lodge. This door opens away from you (push). This door can be seen in photograph 4.

Outside Access (College Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located leading from inside the College.
    • This entrance gives access to the area to the rear of the Porters' Lodge which includes the accessible toilet, lift and pigeon holes.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • 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.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter via the Porters' Lodge external entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Porters' Lodge external 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 134cm.
    • 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 100cm.
    • 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 no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles and stone.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area directly in the reception point but there is in the adjacent foyer.
  • Comments View
    • The door to access the Porters' Lodge from within the building can be seen in photograph 3 and 4.

Inside Access

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
    • The type of flooring is tiles.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
    • 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/sound.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There are pigeon holes for post in the Porters' Lodge area with heights between 12cm and 178cm (Photographs 4).
    • There is also an area for picking up larger packages (photographs 5 and 6).

Toilet with Adaptations (Main Entrance / Porters' Lodge - Gender Neutral - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the Post off the left hand side of the foyer as you enter between the Porters' Lodge and the Student Services offices.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (29ft) from the Main College entrance off Storey's Way.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a gender neutral toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is low.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The visual contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 198cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 117cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 76cm (2ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • 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 visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The visual contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm .
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • 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 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 82cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm .
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 92cm (3ft 0in) .
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.