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Sir Alexander Fleming Building

South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Medicine, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biosciences, Advanced Biotechnology Centre, the Centre for Chronobiology, the Loud Bird Cafe.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The South Kensington Campus is located on Exhibition Road just off the A4 (Cromwell Road) in Knightsbridge in central London.
    • There is limited parking at the South Kensington Campus. The main campus parking is located on Imperial College Road. There are multiple Blue Badge bays all parking is limited to permit holders only.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stop to the South Kensington Campus on Exhibition Road is the South Kensington Museums (Stop K) Stop. This bus stop is served by the 360 bus route. There is an additional bus stop on the other side of the campus on Queen's Gate called the Imperial College Elvaston Pl Stop (Stop RV) and is served by bus route 70.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station to the South Kensington Campus is the West Brompton Station. This station is approximately 2.3km via the A3218. This station is operated by the Overground and Southern services.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station to the South Kensington Campus is the South Kensington Underground Station. This station is approximately 550m via Exhibition Road and is operated by the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Main Car Park.
    • The car park is located along Imperial College Road.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Imperial College Road)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located along Imperial College Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Chemistry, Sir Alexander Fleming, Library, Skempton.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 270cm x 500cm (8ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors, anybody and staff permit holders.
    • Parking charges apply for non permit holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment cannot be made by phone.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Reception

  • Main Reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • 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 not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery 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 not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (The Loud Bird)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus and online menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 95cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 91cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 70cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 69cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The Loud Bird café is open Monday to Friday 8:30-1600.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 45m 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 medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase to the left as you enter. This is used to access offices on floors G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. There is a similar staircase straight ahead as you enter that only accesses the ground and first floors. The lighting at this staircase is good.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located towards the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 245cm (5ft 3in x 8ft).
  • 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 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.

Lift (Large Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located towards the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 2500kg.
  • The lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 310cm (4ft 11in x 10ft 2in).
  • 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 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.

Lift (Left Side Offices Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter.
  • 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.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 150cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 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

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located towards the rear of the building.
    • There are similar accessible toilets on floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. These toilets are in the same place on each floor. These other toilets have a drop down rail on the transfer side. This is shown in photographs 3 and 4.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • 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 disposal units.
    • The height of the coat hook is 160cm 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 the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
  • 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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are baby changing facilities in this toilet. The flip down table is 95cm high.
  • Comments View
    • There are baby changing facilities in this toilet. The flip down table is 95cm high.

Accessible Toilet (Left Side)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 160cm (5ft 11in x 5ft 3in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 115cm (3ft 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 disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 165cm 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 the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
  • 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 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 moderate to good.

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 on the ground floor, to the right as you enter.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 40m 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.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located to the left as you enter, in the left side accessible toilet.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.