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Ellison A Block

Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Ground Floor: Teaching Rooms and Specialist Laboratories,
    First Floor: Lecture theatres and teaching rooms,
    Second Floor: Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Teaching rooms and staff offices, enquiries/main office and I.T. Hub area,
    Third Floor: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, I.T. Labs, Postgraduate Office, Specialist Laboratories and Staff Offices,
    Fourth Floor, Fifth Floor and Sixth Floor: Specialist Laboratories.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Opening Times (Term Time)

  • Monday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 08:00 - 17:00.

Opening Times (Out of Term Time)

  • Monday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 20:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The City Campus is located off the A167(M) in the centre of Newcastle.
    • The University of Northumbria's parking partner APCOA manages parking at the university. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only and are subject to the parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university with 48 hours' notice.
  • By Bus View
    • The West and South areas of the City are served by the number 1, 10, 11, 30, 31, 33, 33A, 35, 36 and 38 buses at the Haymarket John Dobson Street bus stop on John Dobson Street. The number 1 provides a free inter-campus service for staff and students.
  • By Train View
    • The City Campus is approximately 1 mile from Newcastle Central Station, the city's main train station. Buses are available from the station to the campus as well as metro trains to Haymarket which is the nearest station for City Campus West.
  • By Underground View
    • In addition to Haymarket for City Campus West, Manors Station is the nearest for City Campus East. Four Lane Ends Metro can be used to go to Coach Lane Campus. Buses are available from Pilgrim Street to the campus.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the side of the Ellison Building, on Trinity Lane.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Ellison Building and Trinity 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.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 370cm x 490cm (12ft 2in x 16ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped access to the car park from the Ellison Building main entrance.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Ellison Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 45m (49yd 8in) from the Ellison Building main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge parking and University fleet vehicles only.
    • A valid parking permit is required for Blue Badge parking.

Outside Access (Ellison Building Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building on Ellison Place.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 195cm (6ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 2 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is an Out of Hours door to the right of the double doors.
    • The Out of Hours door opens automatically by push pad.
    • The Out of Hours door is single.
    • The width of the Out of Hours door opening is 110cm.

Entrance (Ellison Building A Block Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located ahead as you enter the Ellison Building entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • 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 164cm (5ft 5in).
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 sets of identical manual double doors at this entrance.

Outside Access (Ellison Building A Block Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Northumberland Road.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left and right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
  • Comments View
    • The information describes the accessible entrance.
    • The main door is located immediately to the left of this one.
    • The main door opens by revolving automatically.

Entrance (A Block First Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the Ellison Building leading from D Block.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in the corridor leading to the entrance.
    • There is / are 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the step(s).
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar entrance in the same location on the second floor (shown in photographs 5 - 8).
    • The handrail at the steps on the second floor is on the left going up.

Lift (A Block First Floor Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the corridor on the first floor leading from D Block to A Block.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 250kg.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the A Block first floor entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 75cm x 140cm (2ft 6in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a manual door at the top entrance of the lift (shown in photograph 1).
    • There is an identical lift in the entranceway on level 2 (shown in photograph 4).
    • There is a steep ramp to enter the lift on the lower level on both lifts (shown in photographs 5 and 6).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to the ground floor corridor from the Ellison Block A rear entrance.
    • The first level change is located to the right as you enter via the rear entrance and is shown in photographs 2 and 3.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the rear entrances to two teaching rooms on the first floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps can be overcome by using the front entrance to the two teaching rooms (102A and 102B, the Tiered Lecture Theatres). The steps are shown in photographs 4 and 5.
    • 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 some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • Fixed hearing loops are located in the majority of teaching rooms and lecture theatres.

Counter (University Shop)

  • The desk is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
  • University Shop is located ahead as you enter via the rear entrance.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this counter.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shop.

Eating and Drinking (Ellison Building Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is sandwiches and cold snacks.
  • Comments View
    • This grab'n'go counter is in the open access computer lobby area between CIS and the Ellison building.

Other Floors (Front Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • The stairs are located in the lobby as you enter via the Ellison Building A Block Internal entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Ellison Building A Block Internal entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all 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 staircase in the main corridor as you enter via the Ellison A Block Rear entrance as shown in photographs 3 and 4.

Lift (Front Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead on the left as you enter the Ellison Building entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1200kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Ellison Building entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 129cm x 102cm (4ft 3in x 3ft 4in).
  • 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 has a hearing enhancement 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are three identical lifts in this area.
    • The lift surveyed was the lift to the right.
    • The lifts to the left and in the centre access floors G, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only.
    • To access floor 6, the lift on the far right as you enter has to be used.

Lift (Rear Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the rear entrance lobby area.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Ellison Building A Block rear entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 135cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 5in).
  • 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 not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does 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.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, in the standard female toilets on the first, second, and fourth floors, and in the standard male toilets on the first, third, and fifth floors. The accessible toilet on the ground floor has poor colour contrast for all grab rails. The accessible toilets on the other floors have good colour contrasts for all grab rails. The accessible toilet in the standard female toilets on the first floor has a baby change facility.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground, first, second, fourth and fifth floors..
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the first, third and fifth floors..

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, on the left hand side of the main corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the internal 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 high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 172cm x 202cm (5ft 8in x 6ft 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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 right.
    • 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) to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin 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.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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 no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 111cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 113cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Female - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor, in the female standard toilets to the left as you exit the front lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the front lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female 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 outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 127cm x 188cm (4ft 2in x 6ft 2in).
    • 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 66cm (2ft 2in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary 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 medium.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 92cm.
    • 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 medium.
  • 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 99cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the front lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m from the front 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.
    • It was not possible to access the male toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.