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New Common Room

Pembroke College, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1RF

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Pembroke College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located in Trumpington Street (Photograph 1). Access is via a level pedestrian double gate that has the left hand gate held open from early in the morning to early in the evening. At other times you would need a key or key card. The opening width of the gateway is 126cm.
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via another double gate just a little further south along Trumpington Street, opposite Little St Mary’s Lane (Photograph 2). For this gate you need to use a key card at all times. The height of the key card reader is 100cm. At this gate it’s the right hand gate that opens giving a width of 75cm. It has to be opened manually and this might be difficult for some people. This entrance is also level but the Trumpington Street pavement can be uneven in places (Photograph 3).
    • There is a third pedestrian entrance on the opposite side of the site in Tennis Court Road (Photograph 4). This is a single gate that you need a key card to open. The gate opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some people to open. The opening width is 98cm and the height of the card reader is 102cm. There is a 4cm lipped threshold in this gateway and also a very short uneven slope immediately beyond it.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • After accessing the Pembroke College site the external access around the various courts and green spaces is mostly open and level but there are some stepped and/or ramped sections. There is a network of paths which are mostly wide (150cm+) but some are narrower (approximately 90cm) and path surfaces do vary. The paths that run around the largest green space (Bowling Green and Garden) have gravel surfaces that may not be suitable for some wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. In other areas paths tend to have flagstone paving surfaces (which may be slightly uneven in places) and there are also some cobbled areas between main paths (Photographs 5-14).
    • There are 6 steps in the passage between Old Court and Ivy Court. The first 4 steps (leading up to the passage) have handrails on both sides but the next 2 (leading down from the passage) do not. There is also a ramp, with a steep gradient, that can be used to bypass the 2 steps leading down (Photograph 15).
      There is a single step up onto the green outside the Red Building.
      There are 3 steps leading up to the path outside the Chapel but there is also a ramp, with a slight gradient, that bypasses them (Photograph 16). There are 4 steps leading up to M Stair from Ivy Court. These steps have a handrail on the left going up (Photograph 17). There is similar set on the opposite side of Ivy Court outside J Stair. Steps along external circulation routes do not have markings.
    • If approaching the Garden via a gateway outside the Library there is a short steep slope on the approach (Photograph 18). Between the Garden and the Bowling Green there are some short temporary ramps which are 80cm wide with a steep gradient. Another ramp is located on the path leading into New Court (Photograph 19) and also one outside BB in the far corner of Foundress Court.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Pembroke College have stepped access into and around them (Photographs 20-23). 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. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • 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.
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located opposite the Nihon Room.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Staff Only)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Tennis Court Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are AA and BB.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff.
  • 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.
    • There is a covered section with a cobbled surface (Photographs 1 and 2) which is situated underneath AA. The access road leading into this area has a steep gradient and is also cobbled (Photograph 3). The remainder of this staff car parking area is the open area to the rear of V, W and X which has a block paving surface (Photograph 4).

Getting To (The New Common Room)

  • Location View
    • The New Common Room is located in the basement of the Nihon University Wing.
    • Nihon University Wing is located off Foundress Court which is situated on the east side of the College and can be accessed externally from Tennis Court Road.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the New Common Room.
    • Pembroke College link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (BB Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the far right of the Nihon University Wing.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'BB'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 88cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 118cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of 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.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 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).

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 4m from the BB entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the basement floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, M, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift

  • The lift is located ahead of the BB entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the BB 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 B, G, M, 1, 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • 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 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 77cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 210cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The controls are within 90cm - 133cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Breakout Space(s) (New Common Room)

  • 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 not 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 67cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) 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 even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • The New Common Room is located on the Mezzanine.
    • There is level access to the room via the lift.
    • On exiting the lift there is a door that opens away from you push (Photograph 2).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door width is 76cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead of the BB entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the BB 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 202cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 75cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 69cm.
    • 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 lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • 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 pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 131cm 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.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Basement)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located opposite the lift in the basement.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.