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Sherfield Building

South Kensington Campus, London, London , SW7 2BB

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • The Sherfield Building is a large rectangular building with 6 floors.
    • The left-hand end of the building is referred to as Sherfield Building (West), and the right-hand end of the building referred to as Sherfield Building (East).
    • Sherfield Building (West) de facto extends for 3 floors above the adjacent Abdus Salam Library which, for the purposes of this guide, will be called the Library Wing.
    • The building was undergoing major construction works at the time of survey (March 2026) and as such the Great Hall, the Read and Pippard Lecture Theatres, and some related circulation routes were out of bounds.
    • There are 2 main lifts and 2 main staircases within the building.
    • There is an open plan double lift lobby and enclosed stairwell to the west of the building, and a single lift lobby to the east of the building shared with the east stairwell.
    • There is a third standard lift, plus a platform lift, in the Library Wing.
    • There are further staircases to the centre of the building, to the front and rear of the building at the corners of the Great Hall, and in the Library Wing.
    • The floors are signed as 0 for the basement, 1 for the ground floor, and then 2 to 5 for the upper floors.
    • For the purposes of this guide the floors will be referred to as numbered levels, e.g. level 1, level 2, etc.
    • View information on Sherfield Building.
  • Parking and Public Transport View

Getting Inside

  • There is step-free access to the front, and to the rear of the building.
  • The main approach to the front of the building is along Imperial College Road via the Queen's Lawn diagonal walkway opposite the Sir Alexander Fleming Building, or alongside the adjacent Abdus Salam Library opposite the Chemistry Building.
    • There is a level approach alongside the adjacent Abdus Salam Library.
    • There is slope with a slight gradient along the Queen's Lawn diagonal walkway.
    • There is an alternative level approach from Blue Badge parking bays available next to the adjacent Skepton Building.
  • The main approach to the rear of the building is via the Sherfield Walkway from Dalby Court, which is between the Electrical Engineering and Grantham Institute for Climate Change buildings.
  • The Sherfield Building has numerous accessible entrances with automatic double doors.
    • The most accessible entrance off the Queen's Lawn to the front of the building provides step-free level access to level 1.
    • The secondary accessible entrances off the Sherfield Walkway to the rear of the building provide step-free level access to level 2.
  • The most accessible entrance is signed as Sherfield Building (West).
  • The secondary accessible entrances are signed as Sherfield Building (East), and Sherfield Building (West).
  • The most accessible entrance provides step-free level access to the lift lobby on level 1.
  • The secondary accessible entrances provide step-free level access to the east lift lobby on level 2, and step-free level access to the west lift lobby on level 2.
  • There is a further accessible entrance with a single automatic door off the Queen's Lawn for access to level 0 although further access within the building is via manual doors.
  • There is an entrance with manual double doors off Ayrton Road to the rear of the building which provides step-free access to the lift lobby on level 1.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free access via lift throughout the building from level 1 upwards at the west end of the building, and from level 0 upwards at the east end of the building.
  • There is step-free access via platform lift to the mid-level corridor between level 1 and level 0 (basement) at the west end of the building.
  • There is no through access between the west and the east ends of the building on level 0.
  • There are 13 medium height steps between the mid-level corridor between level 1 and level 0 (basement), and level 0 (basement).
  • There are long ramps with a slight gradient and level resting areas on level 3 to the front and to the rear of the building for access to Lecture Theatre 322.
    • There are also 3 medium height steps for access to Lecture Theatre 322 to the front of the building; the ramp overcomes the steps.
  • There is a long ramp with a slight gradient on level 3 for access to Lecture Theatres 323 and 324.
    • There are also 3 medium height steps for access to Lecture Theatres 323 and 324; the ramp overcomes the steps.
  • There is also a long ramp with a slight gradient for access to the right-hand side of Lecture Theatre 323.
  • There is an additional long ramp with a slight gradient to the rear of the building for access to Lecture Theatre 324.
  • There is a slope with a slight gradient on level 3 after the entrance to the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication in the Library Wing.
  • There is a ramp with a slight gradient on level 3 after the Library Wing north stairwell and lift lobby entrance to the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication.
  • There is a ramp with a steep gradient on level 4 off the west rear stairwell for access to the 1851 Royal Commission, College Archives & Corporate Records Unit (CRU).
  • There are 6 medium height steps for access to the front of the Read Lecture Theatre on level 4 off the west rear stairwell.
  • There is a ramp with a steep gradient on level 5 for access to rooms 563 and 564.
  • There is a slope with a steep gradient on level 5 in the Seminar and Learning Centre (SALC) for access to the toilet with adaptations, with an onward slope with a slight gradient for access to the female standard toilet, and Staff Unions Rooms 561, 560A and 560B.
  • There is a slope with a slight gradient on level 5 after the entrance to the Blyth Music Centre.
  • There are narrow walkways on level 4 in the Careers Service area, and on level 5 in the Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service.
  • There were narrow walkways along the mid-level corridor between level 1 and level 0 (basement) for the kokoro restaurant at the time of survey (March 2026) due to construction work.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
  • There is patterned flooring on level 4 in the Student Space; and on level 5 to the rear of the building in the Disability Advisory Service and Student Support Service area, and in the Seminar and Learning Centre (SALC) .
  • There are numerous seating and resting areas throughout the building.
  • There is ample mixed seating on level 2 within the Senior and Junior Common Rooms.
  • There is extensive mixed seating on level 3 outside the lecture theatres at the front and the rear of the building, and within the Student Space on level 4.
  • There is also plenty of seating available within the Careers Service and Occupational Support areas on level 4, and within the Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service on level 5.
  • There is also some seating available in the main lift lobbies.
  • There is wall mounted wayfinding signage in lift lobbies and stairwells.
  • There are also pull-up wayfinding banners on level 5 in the lift lobby and within the Careers Service area.
  • There are manual doors permanently held open on level 2 between the Senior and Junior Common Rooms, and on level 4 within the Careers Service.
  • There are manual doors on level 2 from the east lift lobby for the Junior Common Room; on level 3 for access between the lecture theatres and breakout areas; on level 4 off the west rear stairwell for access to the 1851 Royal Commission, College Archives & Corporate Records Unit (CRU); and on level 5 for access to the Pippard and Read Lecture Theatres, and off Seminar and Learning Centre (SALC) for access to Staff Unions Rooms 561, 560A and 560B.
  • There are key card released manual doors on level 4 at the rear of the building between the Student Space and the Sherfield Professional Services Hub and Safety Department; and on level 5 at the front of the building between the Careers Service and the Student Counselling and Mental Health Advice Service; and for access between the Gallery and the Blyth Music Centre, and along circulation routes within the Blyth Music Centre.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 10 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located
      • on level 0 (basement) near the kokoro restaurant;
      • on level 3 near the lecture theatres; within the Business School; and in the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication in the Library Wing;
      • on level 4 in the Student Space; within Occupational Health Support; and in the Sherfield Professional Services Hub;
      • on level 5 in the Student Support Service area; off the Seminar and Learning Centre (SALC); and in the Blyth Music Centre in the Library Wing.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations with a right-hand transfer space located:
      • on level 0 (basement) near the kokoro restaurant;
      • on level 4 within Occupational Health Support;
      • on level 5 in the Student Support Service area; and off the Seminar and Learning Centre (SALC).
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations with a left-hand transfer space located:
      • on level 3 near the lecture theatres; and in the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication in the Library Wing;
      • on level 4 in the Student Space;
      • on level 5 in the Blyth Music Centre in the Library Wing.
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations with a transfer space on both sides located:
      • on level 3 within the Business School;
      • on level 4 in the Sherfield Professional Services Hub .
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on level 1 near the east stairwell, on level 3 within the main toilets lobby near the lecture theatres, and on level 5 within the female and male standard toilets in the Student Support Service area.
    • The shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located
      • on level 3 within the main toilets lobby near the lecture theatres; and in the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication in the Library Wing;
      • on level 4 within Occupational Health Support;
      • on level 5 in the Blyth Music Centre in the Library Wing.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located
      • on level 0 (basement);
      • on level 1 near the east stairwell;
      • on level 2 in the Senior Common Room;
      • on level 3 within the main toilets lobby near the lecture theatres; and in the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication in the Library Wing;
      • on level 4 in the Student Space, and in the Sherfield Professional Services Hub;
      • on level 5 in the corridor between the Careers Service and the Student Hub, in the Student Support Service area, and off the Seminar and Learning Centre (SALC).
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located on level 1 near the east stairwell, and on level 4 within the Sherfield Professional Services Hub.
    • Shower facilities on level 4 include a shared facility, plus an additional separate facility within the female standard toilets.

Building Services

Student Services and Faculties

Room Guides

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the Sherfield building, off Imperial College Road, next to the Skepton Building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 352cm (width) x 428cm (depth).
    • There are no hatched/marked zones.
    • The nearest designated bay is 85m from the west level 1 entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There is also staff parking to the rear of the building on Ayrton Road.
    • There are no designated parking spaces here.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff, students, visitors, Blue Badge holders and permit holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
    • There is a payment machine with controls at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a level manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user in front of the payment machine (minimum 185cm x 210cm).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (West - Level 1)

  • This entrance is located to the left-hand side of the building, near the entrance to the Abdus Salam Library.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 125cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 154cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift surveyed is located straight ahead after the west level 1 entrance, on the right.
  • The distance from the west level 1 entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Level 1 to level 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1350kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 98cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 174cm (width) x 162cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Entrance (East - Level 2 - Sherfield Walkway)

  • This entrance is located off the Sherfield Walkway, to the left of the Pizza Pi pizza takeaway.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 95cm.
  • The width of the opening is 122cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 95cm.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 95cm.
  • The width of the opening is 134cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 90cm.
  • The second set of doors provide access to the east lift and stairwell.

Lift (East)

  • The lift surveyed is located within the east stairwell.
  • The distance from the level 2 Sherfield Walk east entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and automatic doors.
  • Levels 0 to 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is not stated.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 118cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 196cm (width) x 148cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located straight ahead from the west level 1 entrance, on the right, through the double doors near the rear entrance.
  • There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
  • Level 0 to level 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level 3, opposite Room SHER.301.
    • The distance from the main lifts is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and automatic doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 151cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 100cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 96cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 96cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 107cm and 170cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.