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Trumpington Street Accommodation

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
    • Peterhouse is located on Trumpington Street in Cambridge city centre. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • At the time of the survey (August 2021) there was very little parking available at the site due to building work. Normally, some parking is available to staff and some visitors with specific requirements who request in advance. There is no general parking for visitors, and students are generally 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. There are bike stands available throughout the site.
    • For more information on getting to Peterhouse by road 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
    • 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 (Photographs 1 and 2). There is also a pedestrian gate to the right of the Porters' Lodge as you face it, 85cm wide (Photograph 3). The step here has been worn down so much it is now a slight slope with a threshold (Photograph 4).
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via the Granta Gate at the rear of the site (Photograph 5), 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 (Photograph 6). At the top, pedestrians take the path up to Gisborne Court (Photograph 7). 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 (Photograph 8). 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 (Photograph 9).
    • 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 (Photograph 10). There is also access to St. Peter’s Terrace off Grove Lane, via a single gate 102cm wide and a slight slope (Photograph 11). All the houses in St. Peter’s Terrace are accessed by steps (Photograph 12). There is also a similar gate further down Grove Lane that gives access to the path at the rear of the houses (Photograph 13).
  • 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 (Photograph 14). There is a steep ramp or 2 12cm high steps (Photograph 15 and 16) to access Old Court (Photograph 17). There is a cut through at the far end of Old Court which has a slight ramp, 89cm wide (Photograph 18). This leads through to Gisborne Court. This leads through to Fen Court, which has a concrete tile surface that is more even (Photograph 19). 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 (Photograph 20).
    • Leading off the side of Old Court is Screens Passage, which is accessed via a shallow, worn step (Photograph 21). The entrance to the Hall is off this passage, and at the end there is a steep ramp, 125cm wide (Photograph 22). 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 gravel path to the left leading to the Fellows Garden (Photograph 23), and a flagstone then compacted gravel path leading through the Deer Park (Photographs 24 and 25). There are unsurfaced and gravel paths leading off the main path (Photograph 26). 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 (Photograph 27).
    • 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 (Photographs 28 and 29).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Peterhouse have step-free access into them, although some are accessed by steps only (Photograph 30). 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 (Photographs 31-32). 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 and the basement of the Whittle Building.
  • AccessAble Related Links View

Useful Information

Getting To (Trumpington Street Accomodation)

  • Location View
    • The accommodation is located on the opposite side of Trumpington Street to the campus. It is Number 35.
    • The building can be accessed via a stepped entrance from Trumpington Street or via an alley round the rear of the building which gives step-free access to the ground floor via the rear gate and garden. There are various slight slopes and a couple of lips before the garden gate and at the rear entrance.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Trumpington Street Accommodation.
    • Peterhouse link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and upper levels of the accommodation.
    • Standard shower facilities are located on the ground and upper levels of the accommodation.

Accommodation Summary (Trumpington Street Accommodation)

  • Parking and Transport View
    • The accommodation does not have its own parking facilities.
    • There are various bicycle racks to the rear of the building down the alleyway.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There is not a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
  • Residence Information View
    • This residence is made up of a multi-storey house (3 floors) buildings.
    • The residence surveyed was Number 35.
  • Accessible Accommodation Information View
    • The accommodation has 11 rooms in total.
    • There is an/are accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
    • The accommodation has 1 accessible room(s) with accessible bathroom facilities.
    • There is/are 0 accessible room(s) with a ceiling track hoist.
    • There is/are 1 accessible room(s) with a wet room/wheel in shower.
    • There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible room(s).
    • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
    • The accessible toilet facilities are located within the room itself (Room 3).
  • Standard Accommodation Information View
    • There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
    • Ground floor accommodation does have level access.
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
    • The standard rooms use the shared showers/toilets.
  • Amenities and Communal Facilities View
    • There is not a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
    • A laundry room, various gyps, a kitchen and standard shower rooms are available.
  • Additional Accessibility Aids View
    • Additional accessibility aids need to be individually requested from the Disability Resource Centre and can be made available.
      Arrangements can be made so that support dogs can stay with residents, however, there may be other suitable accommodation recommended if other residents have any issues with animals/dogs.

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Turpington Street.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The standard on-street parking on Turpington Street is approximately 70 metres from the entrance to Fitzwilliam House (Photograph 1).
    • After various bike racks there are parking spaces which have a maximum stay of 2 hours, Monday to Saturday (08:30-18:30) and 4 hours on Sunday (09:00-17:00).
    • Payment is via a machine near the spaces.
    • The alleyway/road that goes behind the buildings off Turpington Street has various bicycle racks in it. There are few cars parked here but this isn't parking for the accommodation (Photographs 2 and 3).

Approach (Alley to the Rear of the Building)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 98cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • The pillar is grey so could blend in with the ground. It can be lowered for vehicles (Photograph 1).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is a slight lip from the alley onto the block paving into the rear garden/access door (Photograph 8).
    • The gardens gate is unlocked with the same front door key and is 86cm wide. It opens into the garden and is light. They keyhole is 109cm high and the lever to open it is 97cm high (Photographs 9-11).
    • There is a very long slight slope on the alleyway before turning into the alleyway behind the building. The surface is very uneven. There are three bollards before turning round the corner which has a minimum gap of 140cm (Photograph 4).
    • Follow the alleyway which has slight slopes and is uneven (Photograph 5).
    • The entrance is on the right. It is a black gate just before a yellow building where the alleyway turns to the left (Photographs 6 and 7).

Outside Access (Rear Door - Step-free Access)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor accommodation.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a dark mat before and after the entrance.
      The small lip on the doorstep is 2cm high at the top of a 9cm slight slope due to the doorstep (Photograph 3).
      The keyhole is 81cm high and has a twist turn lock at the same height on the other side.
      This enters into the rear kitchen area with a single, heavy, manual door that opens into the kitchen that is 91cm wide before Room 3 (Accessible Room) on the right (Photograph 4).

Approach (Trumpington Street)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is a level crossing to access the other side of the road and campus within 16 metre of the door (Photograph 4).

Outside Access (Front Door - Stepped Access)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Trumpington Street, opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor accommodation.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with '35'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm .
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front 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 not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The first step has been worn down in the middle to around 3cm. The height of the step is 5/6cm on the sides (Photograph 3).
    • After the second step there is a 3cm drop onto the mat beyond the door (Photographs 4 and 5).
    • The keyhole on the outside is 120cm high. On the inside there is a handle or a twist/turn knob to open the door which is 116cm high.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the building .
    • There is stepped access to accommodation rooms apart from rooms 1-4. All other services apart from the laundry room, shower room and kitchen on the ground floor are accessed via stairs.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl and carpet.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Accommodation

  • Accessible Room Information View
    • This type of accessible room is located on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free access to this type of accessible room.
    • Residents need to open a door between the entrance and the room(s).
    • The room surveyed does not have an adjoining room.
  • Accessible Room Features View
    • The accessible room surveyed is located towards the rear of the building.
    • The accessible room surveyed at the time of the visit was 3.
    • There is step-free access to the accessible room surveyed.
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is poor.
    • The door is manual with a key lock.
    • The keyhole height is 80cm.
    • The width of the door is 93cm.
    • There are lowered spy holes available.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is fair.
    • The bed height is not adjustable.
    • The height of the bed is 53cm (1ft 9in).
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 22cm (9in).
    • The bed is not moveable.
    • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • A member of staff can reconfigure the room furniture to create a turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
    • The height of the desk is 71cm.
    • The desk is not height adjustable.
    • The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
    • The room surveyed had a desk chair without armrests.
    • Wardrobes have been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The window control type(s) for the room is a/are extended lever(s).
    • The window controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not an emergency alarm in the room.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • The colour contrast between the room walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels in the room are good.
    • There is a telephone within the room mounted on the wall at a height of 116cm.
      There is a small kitchenette within the room itself with a sink, mini-fridge and a microwave. The counter is 74cm high. The fridge is in the recess which is 70cm high and 56cm wide (Photograph 7).
      There are two coat hooks on the door, with the lowered one being 116cm high.
      Photograph 5 shows the moveable rail in the adapted wardrobe.
  • Bathroom Facilities View
    • This information relates to the ensuite.
    • The colour contrast between the external bathroom door and wall is fair.
    • The bathroom door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the door into the bathroom is 93cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is fair.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 252cm x 249cm.
    • The bathroom does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The bathroom has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the bathroom walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm within the bathroom.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the bathroom.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • 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 immediately next to or behind the toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin 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 77cm.
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • 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 142cm.
    • The lighting levels in the bathroom are good.
    • The wash basin has an extended lever for ease of use (Photograph 16).
  • Toilet Details View
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 145cm.
    • 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 colour 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 rails 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 colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall 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 52cm (1ft 8in).
  • Shower Details View
    • The ensuite has a wheel in shower.
    • The shower cubicle is accessed via a steep slope.
    • The shower head height is fixed.
    • The shower control type is lever.
    • Shower controls have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower.
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There are two vertical grab rails to assist standing users.
    • The colour contrast between the shower wall-mounted grab rails and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are good.
    • There is a removable 30cm high board at the top of the ramp to stop any water flowing into the bathroom (Photograph 10).
      There is a higher and lower fixed showerhead available (Photograph 12 and 13).

Kitchen/Dining Area (Gyp Room)

  • The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
  • The doors are not push pad activated.
  • Lowered work surfaces are not available.
  • The height of the lowest work surface is 89cm.
  • The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
  • There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
  • There are low level cupboards.
  • The narrowest point to access to ground floor kitchen/gyp room is 84cm.
    There is a wall-mounted hand sanitiser at a height of 112cm high.
    The fridge is placed within the only recess.
    The rear entrance/access door opens into this kitchen/gyp.
    There are two further gyps on the second floor. One very similar (Photographs 5-8) and one very small with a fridge, one cupboard and small worksurface (Photographs 9-11). They both have a small lip on entry which could be a trip hazard.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located centrally to the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the front entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G 1, 2 and the upper level of floor 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 21cm.
    • 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 the left going up.
    • Handrails are not 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small portion of the staircase leading to a few rooms where the handrail is on the right (Photograph 3).

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located within the main Peterhouse campus (Library).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located within the shared standard toilet/shower room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the front entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is a similar, slightly larger room on the first floor (Photograph 3).

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located on the ground floor, within the shared toilet/shower room.
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.
  • The door to access the room is 62cm wide, heavy and opens away from you (push). It is locked by a twist/turn lock (Photograph 1).
    The shower has a showerhead that is non adjustable, lever controls and has a high step for access (34cm).
    There is a standard toilet (44cm high seat) and wash basin (81cm high) within this room.
    There is a similar, slightly larger room on the first floor (Photograph 4).

Laundry Room

  • The Laundry Room is on the ground floor, next to the shower room.
  • The door is 93cm wide, heavy and opens away from you (push). There is a small lip at the door.
  • There is a dryer on top of the washing machine. The drum is 140cm high. There are various irons and ironing boards within this room.