Skip to main content

Ben Pimlott Building

Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London, SE14 6NW

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include
    • The Department of Design
    • The Department of Art - Studios
    • Goldsmiths Digital Studios
    • The Department of Psychology
    • The Centre for Cognition, Computation and Culture
    .

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Goldsmiths is located in New Cross, South East London on Lewisham Road, five miles from central London.

      From Central London take the A2 towards Dover via the Old Kent Road.
      At the end of Old Kent Road (on the New Cross Gate one-way system) turn into New Cross Road.
      Keep in the right hand lane and shortly after Sainsbury's take the A20 fork to Lewisham.
      Turn right at the traffic lights into Lewisham Way – Goldsmiths is on the left.

      From Kent, Surrey, Sussex, or north if using Blackwall Tunnel or Dartford River Crossing (southbound).
      Follow the A2 or A20 towards London (using M25 or South Circular road to join the nearest of these).
      On the A20, after passing through Lewisham, the Richard Hoggart Building is clearly visible on the left after about one mile.
      On the A2, follow the left turn after New Cross Station into Amersham Road, turn right at the traffic lights into Lewisham Way – Goldsmiths is on the left downhill.
    • There is no public parking on the Goldsmiths campus.
      Parking is very limited on the Goldsmiths campus. There are a number of designated bays for Blue Badge holders reserved for current staff and students with mobility needs.
      There are 2 on-street Blue Badge bays on Dixon Road, to the right of the Richard Hoggart Building, approximately 40m from the main entrance gate.
      Visitors requiring parking should contact the college at least 48 hours in advance.
  • By Bus View
    • The following buses stop outside Goldsmiths: 21, 36, 53, 136, 171, 172, 177, 225, 321, 343, 436 and 453.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest over ground station is New Cross Rail Station and is approximately 5 minutes away.
      New Cross Gate rail station is also within travelling distance of Goldsmiths.
  • By Underground View
    • There is not an underground station within travelling distance of Goldsmiths.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff, students and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the Richard Hoggart 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 available.
    • There is/are 3 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 350cm x 500cm (11ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
    • 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 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Richard Hoggart building Rear Entrance - George Wood Theatre side.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 200cm x 400cm (6ft 7in x 13ft 1in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Dixon Road.
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is very limited on the Goldsmiths campus. There are a number of designated bays for Blue Badge holders reserved for current staff and students with mobility needs.
    • There are 2 on-street Blue Badge bays on Dixon Road, to the right of the Richard Hoggart Building, approximately 40m from the main entrance gate.
    • Visitors requiring parking should contact the college at least 48 hours in advance.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 195cm (6ft 5in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • The key card reader is a swipe card which opens the doors automatically.

Reception (Main)

  • Main reception is located to the left on entering the building.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • 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 some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • The fixed loop is located in the reception area.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small social space and study area located on the first floor to the left on exiting Lift 2 Goods (as shown in photographs 7 and 8).

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
    • The stairs are located to the left on entering the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are low.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift (Lift 2 Goods)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right on entering the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 2000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 151cm x 270cm (4ft 11in x 8ft 10in).
  • There are not 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 loop 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • The lift is known as the Goods Lift but is the main lift for the building located just off the lobby area.

Lift (Lift 1 Small)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left on entering the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 141cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 loop 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 medium.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is tactile, pictorial and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right on entering the building.
    • There is a similar accessible toilet located on the 6th floor by Lift 2 Goods (as shown in photograph 2).
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 218cm (4ft 10in x 7ft 2in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 147cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 113cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located in the 1st floor toilet area to the right on exiting the Lift 2 Goods.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 56cm (1ft 10in).
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is a dropdown rail to the right of the flip down seat and to the left of the shower (as shown in photograph 1).
    • There is a vertical and horizontal grab rail to the left of the shower.
    • There is an emergency alarm pull cord which was out of reach at the time of survey.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the rear of the door.
    • There is a mirror placed at a height of 66cm.
    • There is also a walk in shower on the 5th floor which was out of use at the time of survey (as shown in photograph 4).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on all floors.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A shared standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the right on entering the building.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • The standard shared toilets on the first floor are shown in photograph 2.
    • The standard shared toilets on the second floor are shown in photograph 3.
    • The standard shared toilets on the third floor are shown in photograph 4.
    • The standard shared toilets on the fourth floor are shown in photograph 5.
    • The standard shared toilets on the fifth floor are shown in photograph 6.
    • The standard shared toilets on the sixth floor are shown in photograph 7.
    • The first floor toilet area also includes a baby changing table placed at 94cm high when extended and lockers (as shown in photographs 8, 9 and 10).