Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include the Student Life Centre, Student Engagement and Enhancement, general use lecture theatres, teaching rooms and computer rooms.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The Penrhyn Road campus is located close to Kingston town centre in South West London. The campus is located on the A420.
Kingston University recommends visitors use the excellent public transport links instead of driving. - Free car parking is available on all sites for blue badge holders and there are docking bays for electric cars.
The University has limited on-site parking facilities and prioritises staff during core working hours (Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4.30pm). Limited visitor parking is available but must be pre-booked through the person you are visiting, as parking enforcement measures are in operation at all sites.
- The Penrhyn Road campus is located close to Kingston town centre in South West London. The campus is located on the A420.
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By Bus
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- The 71, 281, K2 and K3 buses all run along Penrhyn Road and there are stops directly outside the main entrance.
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By Train
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- Trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Surbiton station (midweek 10 trains per hour, journey times 15–32 minutes) and Kingston station (midweek four trains per hour, journey times 28–33 minutes). Both Surbiton and Kingston are in Travelcard Zone 6.
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Useful Links
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- Kingston University Penrhyn Road campus location.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Transport for London.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- National Rail.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on Kingston University Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: +44 (0)20 3308 9932.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Kingston University Disability and Mental Health Service please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: +44 (0)20 8417 7314.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Kingston University Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: +44 (0)20 8417 7311.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Kingston University Students Union please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: +44 (0)20 8417 2868.
- Email: [email protected].
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
- The name of the car park is Sopwith Car Park.
- The car park is located off Fassett Road to the rear of the building.
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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
- The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Fassett Road.
Site/Campus Car Park (Sopwith Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located off Fassett Road and surrounding the Sopwith Building.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Sopwith Building and the John Galsworthy Building.
- 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 362cm x 489cm (11ft 11in x 16ft 1in).
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by anybody, Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
- Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
- Signs are clearly presented.
- Payment machines are located to the side of the Sopwith Building.
- 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the car park from the Sopwith Building.
- This car park is not clearly signposted from the Sopwith Building.
- The nearest designated bay is 11m (12yd 1in) from the Sopwith Building car park entrance.
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Comments
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- Permit only between 7:30-4:30 Monday to Friday and pay and display at all other times.
- Payment machine controls are at a height of 128cm-134cm (as shown in photograph 8).
- There is no charge for Blue Badge holders, however a permit is required which can be obtained from the payment machine.
- There are electric vehicle charging points outside the John Galsworthy car park entrance (as shown in photograph 9).
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building off the courtyard leading from the main building.
- There is step free 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 single.
- The width of the door opening is 163cm (5ft 4in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
- There is step free 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 141cm (4ft 8in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Second Set of Doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 210cm (6ft 11in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the corridor between the main entrance and the car park entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
- The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 137cm (5ft 3in x 4ft 6in).
- 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.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The stairs are located outside the Student Life Centre.
- The stairs are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- 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 set of stairs to the rear of the lifts (as shown in photographs 4 and 5).
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building.
- There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
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Getting Around
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- There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
- There is clearly written 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors.
- The lighting levels are good.
- This building does not play background music.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Portable hearing loops can be obtained from the Student Life Centre.
- The hearing system is available only on request.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
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Comments
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- There is a push pad operated automatic door on the ground floor by the lifts (as shown in photograph 1).
- There are seating/study areas located on the floors 1-5 by the main staircase (as shown in photograph 2).
- Some floors in the building appear shiny (as shown in photographs 3, 4, 5 and 6).
Lecture Theatre(s) (PR JG 0001)
- Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
- The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
- The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
- The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
- There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
- There is space for an assistance dog.
- There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
- The height of the lectern is 91cm.
- The lectern is not height adjustable.
- There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
- The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
- There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
- There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the lecture theatre(s) ranges between 70cm and 72cm.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
- Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
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Comments
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- Lecture Theatres PR JG 0002 and PR JG 0003 are identical to this one.
- There are also lecture rooms on other floors of the building which have fixed seating and tables and are level throughout (as shown in photograph 6).
Entrance (Student Life Centre)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor to the right on entering via the main entrance.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 151cm (4ft 11in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
- The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).
Reception (Student Life Centre)
- Student Life Centre is located immediately ahead of you on entering the service.
- The desk is 9m (9yd 2ft) 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
- 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.
Inside Access (Student Life Centre)
- There is level access to the service.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is available only on request.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The portable hearing loop can be obtained from the Student Life Centre reception.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- The Student Life Centre includes consultation rooms and pod areas for meeting advisors (as shown in photograph 1).
- There are also study areas with open access computers for students to use.
- The centre includes disability support, accommodation, money advice and student funds.
- Tables have a clear floor space of between 67cm-73cm.
- There is various seating available in the centre, some seating with armrests and adjustable seating without armrests.
Entrance (Student Engagement and Enhancement)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located through the automatic doors just past the lifts after entering through the main entrance.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
Reception (Student Engagement and Enhancement)
- Student Engagement and Enhancement Reception is located to the right on entering the service.
- The desk is 1m (3ft 3in) from the Student Engagement and Enhancement 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 low (76cm or lower).
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
- 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.
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Comments
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- There is a waiting area to the rear of the reception desk which includes low seating with no armrests and a coffee table at 37cm high.
Inside Access (Student Engagement and Enhancement)
- There is level access to the service.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is available only on request.
- The system is a portable loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Comments
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- This service includes the Careers and Employability Service.
- There are pods available for meetings and consultations with students and staff.
- Tables have a clear floor space of 71cm.
- There is various seating available including seats with armrests.
Toilet with Adaptations
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor in the lift area.
- There are identical accessible toilets available in the same location on every other floor. On the ground, second and fourth floors lateral transfer is to the right. On the first, third and fifth floors lateral transfer is to the left. The toilet on the second floor also has an automatic door. Both of these toilets can also be locked using a touch pad.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards (automatically).
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 216cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
- There is 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 103cm and 147cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- 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 49cm (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 a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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.
- There is a good 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 medium.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Location of Standard Toilet(s)
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- There are male and female standard toilets facilities on all floors.
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Standard Toilet Surveyed
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- A male standard toilet was surveyed.
- The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor off the corridor between the main entrance and car park entrance.
- There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
- There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
- The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 9m 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.
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Comments
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- There are identical standard toilets available in the same location on every other floor.
- There are no ambulant cubicles, however all standard toilets have a larger cubicle available.