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Old Kitchens and Old Kitchens Meeting Room

Girton College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0JG

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Girton College (Main Site)

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Girton College is situated on the northwest edge of Cambridge, close to the start of the M11 and the A14. The main vehicle entrance to the site is located on Girton Road, which is accessed off Huntingdon Road (A1307).
    • Girton College has an on-site car park called Mare’s Run, which is available to staff and visitors. There are also car parks located in Cloister Court, Ash Court and by the Old Kitchens Door, which contain Blue Badge bays.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes. At Girton College the main sheltered cycle park is located just inside the main entrance to the College site, off Huntingdon Road.
    • For more information on getting to Girton 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 pedestrian entrance to the College site is located off Huntingdon Road (photograph 1). Access is shared with vehicles accessing the Cloister Court car park. This shared road/path has a tarmac surface with speed bumps, leading to an archway at the front of the main building (photograph 2), which leads to Cloister Court and the car park. The Porters’ Lodge entrances are on the left hand side of the archway as you enter. There is an accessible entrance, accessed by a slight ramp, with and automatic door, 96cm wide, which requires a key card to enter (99cm high), although there is an intercom at the entrance, 96 cm high (photograph 3). The main entrance into the Porters’ Lodge has 3 marked steps in front of it (photograph 4).
    • There is another vehicle entrance into the College site at the rear, off Girton Road (photograph 5), which gives access to the Mare’s Run car park, and also the Old Kitchens Door and Ash Court via a barrier (photograph 6). There is a card reader and intercom at the barrier. There is a tarmac path, 150cm wide, leading from the Mare’s Run car park (Photograph 7), which leads to a zebra crossing over the road leading to the Old Kitchens Door and Ash Court car parks. Beyond that there is a tarmac pavement, 130cm wide, leading to the Old Kitchens Door entrance, with dropped kerbs at either end (photographs 8 and 9). There is also a marked path leading from the Old Kitchens Door car park to the entrance (photograph 10). The Old Kitchens Door entrance is a single, heavy door, 94cm wide, which requires a key card to access (107cm high), although there is an intercom (118cm high). The entrance is accessed by a slight ramp (photograph 11).
    • Ash Court, containing the other car park, is located further along from the Old Kitchens Door car park, past the Maintenance Building, gardens and orchard. At the far end of Ash Court is the Colonnade Door entrance, accessed by a slight slope (photograph 12) and a path with a paving slab surface. The entrance is a single, heavy door, 88cm wide, which requires a key card to access (105cm high), although there is an intercom (109-118cm high) (photograph 13).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • Once you have accessed the main building via one of the entrances described above, there is level access to most of the ground floor. The corridors have a variety of surfaces, including tiles, which are shiny in places, vinyl, carpet and wood (photographs 14–17). The only area of the ground floor that does not have step-free access is New Wing, on the far left hand side from the Old Kitchens Door entrance. There are 2 marked steps, 16cm high leading down to the corridor here at both ends. There are grab rails fixed to the wall at the top of both sets of steps (photographs 19 and 20).
    • There are three lifts within the main building, in Ash Court Wing (photograph 21), Pear Trees and the Social Hub. The majority of the areas on other floors do not have step-free access. There are many staircases throughout the main building, which vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform, and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings (photographs 22 and 23). Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to various areas of the main building.
    • There is tarmac, gravel and unsurfaced paths around the outside of the main building (photographs 24–26). The path leading to the Sports Ground and Pavilion has a gravel surface (photograph 27). There are unsurfaced paths throughout much of the grounds and the gardens, although some paths have bark chippings (photograph 28). Yew Walk has a compacted gravel surface (photograph 29). The tarmac path leading to the tennis courts has some steep slopes (photograph 30).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • There is good, clear directional signage, both inside the main building (photograph 31) and around the site (photograph 32). Maps of the site are also available from the Porters’ Lodge, and staff there are able to direct visitors.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of the main building, next the Porters’ Lodge, just inside the Old Kitchens Door entrance and in the Social Hub, although that was out of service at the time of the site visit (August 2021).

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Old Kitchens Door Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at rear of the main building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the main building and the Maintenance 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 390cm.
    • 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.
  • 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 clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 27m (29yd 1ft) from the Old Kitchens Door entrance.
    • Visitors wishing to use this car park will need to request access in advance, as there is a barrier just inside the vehicle entrance from Girton Road (photograph 6). The intercom at the barrier is 99cm high, the card reader is 105cm high.

Site/Campus Car Park (Ash Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Ash Court at the rear of the main building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the main building.
    • 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.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 370cm x 450cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, visitors and staff.
    • 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 53m (57yd 2ft) from the Colonnade Entrance.
    • Visitors wishing to use this car park will need to request access in advance, as there is a barrier just inside the vehicle entrance from Girton Road (Photograph 6). The intercom at the barrier is 99cm high, the card reader is 105cm high.

Site/Campus Car Park (Mare's Run Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in the far corner of the College site, off Girton Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the main 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 not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody.
    • 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 clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is a campus map available within the car park.

Site/Campus Car Park (Cloister Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located just inside the archway at the Porters' Lodge.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porters' Lodge.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 250cm (8ft 2in).
    • 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 210cm x 360cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 106cm wide.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors and staff.
    • 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 14m (15yd 11in) from the Porters' Lodge entrance.
    • Visitors wishing to park here will need to arrange this in advance.

Getting To (The Old Kitchens and Old Kitchens Meeting Room)

  • Location View
    • The Old Kitchens and Old Kitchens Meeting Room are both located at the North of the site.
    • The Old Kitchens and Old Kitchens Meeting Room can be accessed either externally via the Old Kitchens Door Entrance, or internally via the Cloister Corridor.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at the Old Kitchens Door Entrance.
    • There is wayfinding signage along the route to the Old Kitchens and Old Kitchens Meeting Room.
    • Girton College - Main Site link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter via the Old Kitchens Entrance, between the entrance and the Cloister Corridor.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter via the Old Kitchens Entrance.

Outside Access (Old Kitchens Door Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the main building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the main building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Old Kitchens Door and Visitor Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 118cm .
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 107cm.
    • 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 94cm.
  • 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 not 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 width of the ramp/slope is 138cm (4ft 6in).

Entrance (Old Kitchens Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located ahead as you enter via the Old Kitchens Door Entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to the Old Kitchens and Old Kitchens Meeting Room.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 80cm.

Eating and Drinking (Old Kitchens)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the bar.
    • The bar is located ahead as you enter.
    • There is step-free access to the bar.
    • For access there is a single manual door which is permanently held open.
    • Old Kitchens is mostly used as a waiting area or breakout space for those using the Old Kitchens Meeting Room.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are not clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system .
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 39cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 103cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and tiles.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Meeting Room(s) (Old Kitchens Meeting Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • The height of the lectern is 113cm.
  • The lectern is not height adjustable.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 74cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Old Kitchens Door - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left then right as you enter the Old Kitchens Door entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Old Kitchens Door 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • 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 poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 227cm x 177cm.
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 157cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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, nappy/incontinence items bin 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 covered cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • 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 92cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the right of the wash basin.

Standard Toilet(s) (Old Kitchens)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left as you enter via the Old Kitchens Door Entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the Old Kitchens Door Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • 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 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.