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Dining Hall and Upper Hall

Jesus College, Jesus Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8BL

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Jesus College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Jesus College is situated just to the north of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the campus is located in Victoria Avenue. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There are 3 main car parks at Jesus College which are located close to Chapel Court, North Court and Library Court. There are 2 designated parking bays for Blue Badge holders which are located in the Chapel Court Car Park. The College advise that if you are visiting West Court you may find it easier to park in the accessible bays in Jesus Lane which are closer. If you are visiting and require on-site parking please contact the College ahead of your journey to make sure a parking space is available. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes.
    • View information on getting to Jesus College (opens new tab)
    • View information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge (opens new tab)
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located in Jesus Lane. Step-free access is via a push pad activated gate and a ramp (Photographs 1 and 2). The minimum width of the gate opening and ramp is 94cm. Push pad heights are approximately 100cm. The exit push pad is positioned in advance of the ramp and the gate closing time has been delayed to allow people sufficient time to use the ramp when exiting. Immediately beyond the entrance is a level paved walkway called The Chimney (Photograph 3) which leads to the Porters' Lodge.
    • Pedestrians can also access the College site via the West Court entrance in Jesus Lane where there is step-free access with automatic doors (Photographs 3 and 4 - please see the Detailed Access Guide for further information).
      Staff and students with key cards also have the option of accessing the site via the vehicle entrance in Lower Park Street (Photograph 6) where there is a pedestrian gate with a key card reader (at a height of 103cm). The gateway is narrow (72cm) and the surface uneven so this may not be suitable for some people. There is an intercom at a height of 122cm so staff may be able to open the vehicle gates if the pedestrian gate is unsuitable.
      Key card holders can also access the site via the main vehicle exit in Jesus Lane where there is also a pedestrian gate (Photograph 7). The gate opens automatically away from you when activated by a key card. Access here is level and the gateway is wide (165cm). The height of the key card reader is 95cm. There is also an intercom for those requiring assistance. The height of the intercom is 123cm.
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the designated Blue Badge bays in the Chapel Court Car Park the nearest step-free route to Chapel Court is via the Angel Archway (Photograph 8 - the nearest entrance, Boaty Archway, has a step over the threshold).
      If parking in the North Court Car Park there is open and step-free access to North Court from the front right corner of the car park. The North Archway is also located in this car park which gives step-free access to Second Court via an open gateway and short passage. When parking at the Library Court/Housekeeping Car Park there is step-free access to Library Court or back up the access road to Angel Archway.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The Jesus College site is mostly level with paved surface paths that run around the edges of the various courtyards and links them together. Most of the paths are wide (150cm+), even and there are some bench seats for resting.
    • There may be some areas where the paths are more narrow, less smooth or the paving slightly uneven but generally there is step-free, flat access around the external areas of the site (Photographs 9-15). There are some steps at one side of Library Court (Photograph 16) but these can be bypassed by using the path on the opposite side. There is a short steep slope on the path that links Chapel Court to Library Court via the Chapel itself (Photograph 17). There are also short steep ramps in the passageway at G Stair leading off Cloister Court towards J, K, L Stairs and Chapel Court (Photograph 18). The path running to the rear of West Court, next to The Orchard, has a slight slope leading down past the Café Bar (Photograph 19).
    • There is not much directional signage around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. There are wall mounted maps at the Angel and North Archways (Photograph 20) and paper copies can be provided on request from the Porters' Lodge.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Jesus College have stepped access once inside. (Photographs 21 - 24). Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout. The height and depths of steps are not uniform and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings. In most of the main listed stairs you can expect to find 15+ unmarked steps with at least one handrail or banister.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located beneath Coleridge Room, off Pump Court and there are also smaller adapted toilet facilities within K Stairs.
    • Accessible toilet and standard toilet facilities are located off Cloister Courtyard.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Chapel Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Morgan Avenue, off Victoria Avenue.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in Chapel Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the Angel Archway.
    • There is a one-way system in place, vehicles exit the site via Jesus Lane.
      The 2 designated parking bays are located close to Boaty Archway (Photograph 7) but the accessible pedestrian route into the site is via Angel Archway (Photograph 8).
      There is additional overflow parking on the grass by the rugby pitch (Photograph 9).

Site/Campus Car Park (North Court Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the North of the site, near North and Second Court.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in North Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • If parking in the North Court Car Park there is open and step-free access to North Court from the front right corner of the car park (Photograph 6). The North Archway is also located in this car park which gives step-free access to Second Court via an open gateway and short passage (Photograph 7).
      There is a site map within the North Archway (Photograph 8).

Site/Campus Car Park (Library Court / Housekeeping Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located just before the site vehicle exit in Jesus Lane.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are those in Library Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • When parking at the Library Court / Housekeeping Car Park there is step-free access to Library Court or back up the access road to Angel Archway (Photograph 7).

Getting To (Jesus College - Dining Hall and Upper Hall)

  • Location View
    • Dining Hall and Upper Hall is situated between First Court and Upper Court.
    • The entrance to the Dining Hall and Upper Hall is situated on in the passageway between First Court and Cloister Court.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Jesus College - Dining Hall and Upper Hall.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the second floor next to the lift.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located on the second floor next to the lift.
    • Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet cubicle on the second floor next to the lift.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the walkway between First Court and Cloister Court.
    • This entrance gives access to the staircase and lift.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Dining Hall and Upper Hall'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection 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) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is wood and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • The flooring inside the Caff (photograph 1) and the Upper Hall (photograph 2) is shiny and may appear slippery.

Other Floors (Ground to First Floor)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to your immediate right on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the Dining Hall and Upper Hall entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 14 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 not 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 not a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • The lift is located to your right on entrance, to the left of the stairs.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Dining Hall and Upper Hall entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • 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 low.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 142cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not 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.

Eating and Drinking (Caff and Dining Hall)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the food hall.
    • The food hall is located on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access to the food hall.
    • For access there are double automatic doors which are push pad activated.
    • There is an alternative manual single door entrance to the lift which has a width of over 75cm (photograph 2).
  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered, a self service counter and a touchscreen ordering service available.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; menu boards and written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are not available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 85cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
  • Self-Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 85cm.
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Payment Counter View
    • Payment is via an adjustable self-service touchscreen.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 68cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 72cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also long tables.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Food is served in the Caff area.
      The seating area is within the Dining Hall which is situated directly opposite the Caff exit on the other side of the corridor.
      There are tables in the Dining Hall where food can be placed during events at a height of 92cm.

Step(s) (First Floor to Second Floor - Stepped Toilet Access)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located to right of the Dining Hall entrance on the first floor.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access second floor toilets.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
    • There is a standard lift to overcome the step(s).

Other Floors (Second to Third Floors)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located directly above the Dining Hall and Upper Hall entrance on the second floor.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the third floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 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 not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Teaching/Seminar Room(s) (Upper Hall)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 72cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
  • The Upper Hall is located on the Third Floor to your left on exiting the lift.
    Electric wire hatches in the floor may serve as a trip hazard.
    There is a door to the gallery overlooking the main dining hall dining hall within upper hall.
    The door is heavy opens away from you and has a width of 70cm. (photograph 8).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in front of you on exiting the lift on the second floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 275cm (5ft 3in x 9ft).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal 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.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 128cm and 178cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 88cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Gender Neutral)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located to your left on exiting the lift on the second floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m from the main lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.