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Student Union

Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels, TD1 3HF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Galashiels.
  • The nearest mainline station is Edinburgh Waverley.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Opening Times (Shop)

  • Monday 08:45 - 16:30..
  • Tuesday 08:45 - 16:30..
  • Wednesday 08:45 - 16:30..
  • Thursday 08:45 - 16:30..
  • Friday 08:45 - 15:30..

Opening Times (Refectory)

  • Monday 08:30 - 16:00..
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 16:00..
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 16:00..
  • Thursday 08:30 - 16:00..
  • Friday 08:30 - 15:30..

Parking (University)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There are 4 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 55m (60yd) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest designated bay is 70m (77yd) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is / are dropped kerbs.
  • The car park surface is block paving.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • This small area of parking is for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is a large public car park behind this area that can also be used.

Parking (Public)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There are 8 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 600cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 75m (82yd) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest designated bay is 105m (115yd) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is / are dropped kerbs.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • The patron does have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The automatic door is for disabled access only and is push pad activated.
    • There is a 2cm metal threshold in the doorway.
    • Alternative access is via the adjacent revolving door.
    • When exiting via the automatic door there is a push button as opposed to a pad.

Outside Access (Student Union Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the main building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in) wide.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the union.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the service counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 20m (22yd) from the Student Union entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • 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 meals and snacks.
  • Comments View
    • Plastic cups are available.
    • Plastic cutlery is available.
    • Drinking straws are available on request.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 20m (22yd) from the Student Union entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in the main seating area.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 220cm x 200cm (7ft 3in x 6ft 7in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • 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 a functional emergency alarm available.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.

SafeZone

  • SafeZone is a free app based system for students and staff that enhances their personal safety. SafeZone extends the reach of campus safety and security, to cater for the real time needs of the people who use campus every day. It provides a quick and easy way for users to alert SafeGuarding Services, when help or assistance is needed.
  • For information about the SafeZone please click here.