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The Arch

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

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include main reception and the main lecture theatre.

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.

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 be 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 be 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.

Reception

  • The reception desk is 2m (6ft 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high height.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Lighting levels are varied.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting level is bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in a corridor off the atrium.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-1.
  • The lift is 35m (38yd) from main entrance.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 156cm x 140cm (5ft 1in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor)

  • 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 36m (39yd) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in a corridor off the atrium.
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 250cm (5ft 7in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 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 not 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 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.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

  • 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 40m (44yd) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is not 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 256cm x 266cm (8ft 5in x 8ft 9in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • 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 not 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.

Level Change (Accessible Toilet - First Floor)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located between the lift and the toilets.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located between the lift and the toilets.
  • There is / are 3 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are bright.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The showers are located in the accessible toilet on the first floor.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 46cm (1ft 6in).
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.

Standard Toilet(s)

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.