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Newnham College

Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9DF

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.

Site/Campus Car Park (Clough Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Sidgwick Avenue.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Clough 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 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 550cm.
    • 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 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Clough Building entrance (key card holders only).
  • Comments View
    • The centre of the car park has a block paving surface.

Site/Campus Car Park (Peile Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Grange Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Peile Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • 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.
    • At the time of the survey (02/08/21) the Peile Building was undergoing refurbishment works and the car park was being used for contractor vehicles.

Site/Campus Car Park (Sportsfield Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Barton Road (A603).
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Old Hall.
    • 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.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Porters' Lodge - Visitors - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the rear left of the Porters' Lodge reception area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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 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 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 239cm (4ft 10in x 7ft 10in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a sensor 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 the left.
    • There is not 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 and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • 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 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).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • 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 90cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Sidgwick - Ground Floor - Library Corridor - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of Sidgwick, along the Library Corridor leading from the Buttery Street Entrance to the Library.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Buttery Street Entrance.
    • 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 poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is fair.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 161cm x 225cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 105cm from floor level.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 167cm 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 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 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 100cm.
    • 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access from the Library Corridor when accessed from the Porters' Lodge, but ramped access from the Buttery Street Entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is 4m from the Buttery Garden Entrance.