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Charles Sikes Building - Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre

University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH

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Huddersfield Literature Festival - Information

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Huddersfield.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Huddersfield.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • There are several Blue Badge bay locations across the campus on Queensgate, Miami, Edith Key building, Canalside and Lockside.
  • These Blue Badge Bays vary in size.
  • On arrival at the Queensgate vehicular entrance, parking will be allocated on a first come first served basis, and wherever possible nearest to the building you are visiting.
  • Wheelchair users may require assistance as there may be some easy slopes and dropped kerbs to negotiate.
  • There are also ambulant parking bays on campus.
  • These bays are strictly used by arrangement with the venue.
  • There are no car parking charges on campus.
  • There is no on street Blue Badge bays or standard parking bays close by.
  • There are several public car parks close to the university, these include;
  • Kingsgate, Venn Street, HD1 6HQ - number of spaces: 618.
  • Market Hall, Alfred Street, HD1 2UJ - number of spaces: 588.
  • Spring Wood Street, HD1 4BE - number of spaces: 377.

Approach (Firth Road)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Outside Access (Firth Road Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Firth Road.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'The School Café'.
    • There is step-free 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 163cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 174cm.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Charles Sikes Building.
    • Rooms CSG 20, 26, 27, and 28 are located on the ground floor.
    • The Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre is located on the first floor.
    • There are stairs or lift to access the first floor.

Approach (Canalside and Schwann Building)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 10+ unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • Comments View
    • The steps lead to the footbridge from Canalside (photograph 1) and lead down from the Schwann Building to the footbridge (photograph 2).
    • There is step free access along the footbridge.
    • The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
    • The steps have a landing.
    • The Schwann Building steps can be overcome by using the library lift.
    • Please speak with a member of staff for use of the lift.

Outside Access (Lecture Theatre Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the footbridge.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Reception'.
    • There is step-free 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 152cm.
    • There is also a set of double doors signed "Lecture theatre" at this entrance. Both sets of doors give entry to the same area.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to the first floor of the Charles Sikes Building.
    • The Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre is located on the first floor.
    • Rooms CSG 20, 26, 27, and 28 are located on the ground floor.
    • There are stairs or lift to access the ground floor.

Getting Around (Ground Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the ground floor.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Rooms CSG 20, 26, 27 and 28

  • The rooms are located along the ground floor corridor.
  • There is step free access along the corridor.
  • There are single width doors into each of the rooms.
  • These doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are heavy, but can be held open if required.
  • The doors are 85cm wide.
  • There is step free access throughout the rooms.
  • The surface of the flooring in the rooms is carpet.
  • There are chairs without armrests.
  • The tables are height adjustable.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead as you enter from the Firth Road entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Firth Road entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 224cm x 234cm (7ft 4in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 159cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by the clinical waste bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are clinical waste and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a lid.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located on the ground floor corridor.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, and 3.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is Medium.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in 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.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Getting Around (First Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the first floor.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet, vinyl and tiles.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Reception

  • The desk is 31m (33yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is not staffed.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the desk/counter.
  • Comments View
    • The reception is located on the first floor, at the far end of the main corridor as you exit the lift.

Entrance (Diamond Jubilee Foyer)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located along the first floor corridor.
    • 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 193cm.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance gives access to the Lecture Theatre foyer from the Level 1 corridor.

Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre

  • There is a foyer area before you enter the lecture theatre.
  • There is seating in the foyer.
  • The height of the highest table is 104cm.
  • The height of the lowest table is 74cm.
  • The seats do not have armrests.
  • The lecture theatre is accessed by 2 sets of double doors.
  • The doors have a single leaf which is automatic.
  • The door width is 80cm.
  • The doors are push pad operated.
  • The height of the push pad is 116cm.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users located either side after you enter.
  • There is step free access to the designated seating.
  • Companions can sit in front of the patron, or in the 2 seats next to the designated spaces.
  • There are 1 to 15+ steps from the front to the back row.
  • The desks are 72cm high.

Changing Places

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located to the right of the lift.
    • The facility is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is not located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access into the facility, via lift.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from Reception.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 315cm x 420cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 105cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 102cm.
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is an elbow pad flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 91cm.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is fixed.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 184cm (6ft).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers the changing bench and the toilet.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Diamond Jubilee Lecture Theatre - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the lecture theatre foyer.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the building entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 167cm x 266cm (5ft 6in x 8ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 98cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a 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).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground and first floors.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Standard Male Toilets)

  • The ramp/slope is used to access the standard male toilet.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.