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Old Court - Upper Hall & Henry Cavendish Room & WC

Peterhouse, First Court, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 1RD

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Peterhouse

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • Visitors to Peterhouse enter via the Porters' Lodge on Trumpington Street. Access into the Porters' Lodge is via a single heavy door 82cm wide and a step which has been worn down to 3cm high in the centre. There is also a pedestrian gate to the right of the Porters' Lodge as you face it, 85cm wide. The step here has been worn down so much it is now a slight slope with a threshold.
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via the Granta Gate at the rear of the site, although this is mainly a vehicle entrance for deliveries and contractors, with no footpath for pedestrians. The road goes underneath the Whittle Building and up a long, steep slope. At the top, pedestrians take the path up to Gisborne Court. The path is 94cm wide and has a slight slope. There is also a vehicle entrance to the site off Little St Mary’s Lane to the side of the site, via 2 gates. However, this only gives access to the Blue Badge Bay outside the Theatre on performance days. The main entrance to the library is located between the two gates here. There is a gap for pedestrians 44cm wide.
    • There is an entrance at the end of Grove Lane that give access to the William Stone Building and the far end of the Deer Park. This is via a gate 174cm, which can be made double width to give vehicle access if required. There is also access to St. Peter’s Terrace off Grove Lane, via a single gate 102cm wide and a slight slope. All the houses in St. Peter’s Terrace are accessed by steps. There is also a similar gate further down Grove Lane that gives access to the path at the rear of the houses.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • From the Porters' Lodge and Trumpington Street entrance, the paths have a flagstone surface, so are uneven in places. There is a steep ramp or 2 12cm high steps to access Old Court. There is a cut through at the far end of Old Court which has a slight ramp, 89cm wide. This leads through to Gisborne Court. This leads through to Fen Court, which has a concrete tile surface that is more even. From here there is a slight ramp leading up to the Theatre. The bollard at the top of the ramp makes the gaps 107cm and 110cm wide.
    • Leading off the side of Old Court is Screens Passage, which is accessed via a shallow, worn step. The entrance to the Hall is off this passage, and at the end there is a steep ramp, 125cm wide. If the main gates to this passage are closed, there are doorways in the gates 66cm wide with a 9cm threshold. Beyond the passage there is a single gate followed by a gravel path to the left leading to the Fellows Garden, and a flagstone then compacted gravel path leading through the Deer Park. There are unsurfaced and gravel paths leading off the main path. At the far end of the Deer Park, the main path narrows to 140cm and has a slight slope leading up to the William Stone Building.
    • The area around the William Stone Building has a brick block paving surface. There is a brick block path, with a slight slope at the start, leading to the rear of the St. Peter’s Terrace houses and the Squash Court.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Peterhouse have step-free access into them, although some are accessed by steps only. Peterhouse is the oldest College in Cambridge, with parts dating back to the 13th century. 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 on the first floor in the corner of Old Court in staircase F and the basement of the Whittle Building.
  • AccessAble Related Links View

Useful Information

Getting To (Old Court - Upper Hall & Henry Cavendish Room)

  • Location View
    • The Upper Hall & Henry Cavendish Room is located to the North of Peterhouse on the first floor of F Staircase. The Upper Hall & Henry Cavendish Room is close to the main pedestrian entrance in Trumpington Street.
    • In addition to the main pedestrian entrance you can also access the Upper Hall & Henry Cavendish Room from the Old Court.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Old Court - Upper Hall & Henry Cavendish Room.
    • Peterhouse link (new tab) - click here.

Outside Access (Old Court Entrance - F Staircase)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off to the left of Old Court.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'F'.
    • There is step-free 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.

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 1m from the Old Court Entrance - F Staircase.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
    • 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 not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The handrail is on the left side going up on the ground and second floors.
    • On the first floor there are handrails on both sides.

Lift

  • The lift is located ahead as you enter.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Old Court Entrance - F Staircase.
  • 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 G, 1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 88cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 144cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Eating and Drinking (Upper Hall)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the restaurant.
    • The restaurant is located on the first floor of Old Court (F Staircase).
    • There is step-free access to the restaurant.
    • For access there is a single manual door which is easy to open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables can be booked in advance.
    • There is full table service.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is Fine Dining.
    • Takeaway cups are not available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 66cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Access to Henry Cavendish Room)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located in front of the Henry Cavendish Room.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the Henry Cavendish Room.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.

Eating and Drinking (Henry Cavendish Room)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the restaurant.
    • The restaurant is located on the first floor of Old Court (F Staircase).
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the restaurant.
    • For access there is a single manual door which is easy to open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables can be booked in advance.
    • There is full table service.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is Fine Dining.
    • Takeaway cups are not available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 71cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Toilet with Adaptations (Old Court - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in staircase F on the first floor, to the left as you exit the lift, just before the Henry Cavendish Room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has 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 156cm x 191cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 149cm 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 cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
    • 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 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the first floor of Old Court (F Staircase).
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 4m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • 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 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.