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Newnham College, Dorothy Garrod Building - Third Floor X Staircase , Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9DF

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Newnham College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Newnham College is situated just south west of Cambridge city centre in Sidgwick Avenue which can be accessed from the A603. Please note that Silver Street is closed to cars for part of the day and has a ‘tidal flow’ system for the rest. At most times it will be easier, when approaching the College from the southern part of Cambridge, to use Fen Causeway. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • There are 4 car parks at Newnham College; Visitors Car Park, Clough Car Park, Peile Car Park and the Sportsfield Car Park. Blue Badge parking is available in the Visitor Car Park and also an additional parking bay in the Clough Car Park. Anyone requiring on-site parking will need prior permission. For short-term visitors and for those with disabilities it is helpful to contact the Head Porter in advance. Students are 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. Newnham College has several bicycle storage facilities. The main one being the bike shed that runs between Newnham Walk and Sidgwick Avenue, parallel to the Rosalind Franklin Building. There are also cycle stands in the Clough and Peile car parks.
    • For more information on getting to Newnham College please click here (opens new tab)
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is via the Porters’ Lodge which is located in Sidgwick Avenue, close to the Visitors Car Park. Access is via a sloped walkway with a slight gradient leading to an automatic door with an opening width of 92cm. The sloped walkway bypasses 4 steps (Photographs 1 and 2). From the Porters' Lodge there is internal step-free access to the ground floors of the Dorothy Garrod and Fawcett Buildings and out to the gardens.
    • There is also step-free access to Clough Building from Sidgwick Avenue via the slight ramp leading to the Buttery Street Entrance. The ramp bypasses 1 step (Photograph 3). This entrance has a single automatic door with an opening width of 114cm (Photograph 4). A key card is required is to activate this entrance. The height of the key card reader is 88cm. Alternatively, there is the Kennedy Street Door which is located further along Sidgwick Avenue and gives access to the Kennedy Building (Photographs 5 and 6). This entrance has a manual door, which may be difficult for some to open, with an opening width of 78cm. There is a 4cm step at the entrance which is not clearly marked. A key card is required for this entrance. The height of the key card reader is 110cm.
    • In addition to the entrances in Sidgwick Avenue the College site can also be accessed via the Peile Building. The entrance to that building is located in the Peile Car Park but was out of use at the time of the survey due to construction works (Photograph 7). There is also a long, level gravel footpath leading into the College site from the Sportsfield Car Park which can be accessed from Barton Road (Photograph 8). This footpath can also be accessed via a single manual pedestrian gate at the end of Clare Road (Photograph 9). The gate is heavy and has an opening width of 137cm. This gate is open between 07.00 and 20.30.
    • Finally, there are several access points to the College site in Newnham Walk. The Pfeiffer Gate at the end of Newnham Walk has both a pedestrian and a vehicle gate (Photograph 10) which give access to the gardens via a passageway through the Pfeiffer Building. The pedestrian gate is held open and has an opening width of 80cm. The surface immediately beyond the gate has a slight gradient up then down (Photograph 11). For those with key cards there are 2 more step-free gates along Newnham Walk which give access to the College site at either side of the Dorothy Garrod Building (Photographs 12 and 13). Both gates are manual with opening widths of approximately 90cm and card readers at approximately 120cm. There are also key card gates at either end of the bike shed passageway that runs between Newnham Walk and the Visitors Car Park (Photographs 14-16). The gates open automatically when activated but the gate at the Newnham Walk end does have a 4cm step at the threshold (Photograph 17).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • The external areas of the College site have an extensive network of gravel paths that are flat and mostly wide (120cm-150+cm) (Photographs 18-24). There are many bench seats and deckchairs provided for people to rest. Many of the buildings are connected internally but all buildings can be accessed externally from this network of paths.
    • The small Rose Garden close to the Pfeiffer Building is accessed via 6 steps that do not have handrails or markings (Photograph 25). There are also 6 unmarked steps, without handrails, for access to a raised area with a monument and stone seats in the Western Garden, in front of the Peile Building (Photographs 26 and 27). Close to the Old Labs there is bench seat shelter which is accessed via a paved path which is quite uneven (Photograph 28). There are 2 steps leading up to the seating compartments (Photograph 29).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • There is step-free access into most of the buildings on the College site and there are also lifts in the Clough Building (Photographs 30 and 31) which give access to the upper floors in that building and also the connected buildings such as Sidgwick and Kennedy.
    • There is not much directional signage (Photographs 32 and 33 show the map boards that were seen along 2 of the paths) around the external areas of the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will need an escort or a map to reference. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Porters’ Lodge (please see the Detailed Access Guide for further information).

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Visitors Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Sidgwick Avenue, close to the Porters' Lodge.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Porter's Lodge and the Rosalind Franklin Building.
    • 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 available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 450cm.
    • 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.
  • 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 70m (76yd 1ft) from the Porters' Lodge.

Getting To (Gym)

  • Location View
    • The Gym is located on the third floor of Newnham College in the Dorothy Garrod Building.
    • The Gym is accessed via the X lift and stairs of the Dorothy Garrod Building, through the Porters' Lodge and Iris Café.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Gym.
    • Newnham College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities with an accessible shower are located on the third floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Garrod Building, just before the Gym.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the third floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Garrod Building, just before the Gym.
    • Standard changing facilities are located on the third floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Garrod Building, just before the Gym.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in Sidgwick Avenue.
    • This entrance gives access to the Porters' Lodge and Dorothy Garrod Building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'PORTERS' LODGE'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 118cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located along the walkway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located between the Sidgwick Avenue path and the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are in the centre of the step(s).
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The sloped walkway leading to the entrance has a block paving surface and is slightly uneven in places.
    • A key card is only required at this entrance between 00.00 and 06.00.

Other Floors (X Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left hand side of the Dorothy Garrod Building, just through the Iris Café and Conference Centre.
    • The stairs are approximately 38m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual single doors with an unlocked extension leaf to access the staircase on the ground floor which are permanently held open. There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the staircase from the first floor upwards.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 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 not 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 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.

Lift (X Lift)

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located to the left hand side of the Dorothy Garrod Building, just through the Iris Café and Conference Centre.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main 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 -1, G, 1, 2, 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 680kg.
  • There are manual single doors with an unlocked extension leaf to access the lift lobby on the ground floor which are permanently held open. There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 100cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 115cm x 136cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Gym

  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the gym.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • The door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The door is accessed using a key card.
    The key card reader is located on the door lock at a height of 133cm.
    The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the gym.
  • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
  • There is level access to all of the equipment.
  • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes; cable resistance machines and free weights.
  • In this area there are tables and bench seats available.
  • Background music is not played.
  • The flooring in the gym consists of vinyl.
  • There is flooring with a shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Changing Room

  • Location and Access View
    • The standard changing room was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This standard changing room is located on the third floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Garrod Building, just before the Gym.
    • This standard changing room is approximately 5m from the X lift.
    • The standard changing room is approximately 1m from the Gym.
    • There is step-free access to the standard changing room.
    • A key is not required for the standard changing room.
    • There is written text signage on or near the standard changing room door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the standard changing room opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • The dimensions of the standard changing room are 152cm x 232cm.
    • This is a shared changing room.
    • The type of flooring in the changing room is vinyl.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the standard changing room.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is seating available within the changing room.
    • The seating within the changing room includes: bench seating.
    • There are no lockers within the changing room.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the changing room.
    • The lighting levels in the changing room are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Dorothy Garrod - Third Floor - X Lift - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the third floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Garrod Building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the X 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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 239cm x 233cm (7ft 10in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 142cm 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 poor.
    • 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 89cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is fair.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.

Standard Toilet(s) (Dorothy Garrod - Third Floor - X Lift)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the third floor of Newnham College, in the Dorothy Garrod Building, in the corridor just before the Gym.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the X lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.