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Students Union Elmwood

Queen's University Belfast, 3 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6BD

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Lower Ground Floor - Storage Area
    Ground Floor - SU Shop, SU Advice, Student Offices, Meeting Room 1
    First Floor - The Lounge, Club Rooms 1-4
    Second Floor - Clubs and Societies, Enterprise SU, Student Voice, Volunteer SU, Anne Maguire Room, Meeting Room 2, Finance, Marketing, Director
    Third Floor - Club Room 5, RAG, The Gown, The Hatch, Queen's Radio.

Opening Times (SU Shop)

  • Monday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Elmwood Avenue is located in the main University Area on the far side of University Road.
    • There is the Fitzwilliam Street campus car park which is available to staff and visitor permit holders in this area. There is unmarked parking available on Elmwood Avenue.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearby bus stop on College Green Serves Routes 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 29, 29c, 652. While the Queen's University Bus station on University Road serves routes 8a 8b, 8c, 8d, 13, 22, 93, 209, 238, 251u, 261, 273, 522, 524, 524a
  • By Train View
    • Botanic Train Station is located just to the north of the main university area, approximately 0.3 miles from University Square.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 300cm x 350cm (9ft 10in x 11ft 6in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Elmwood Avenue.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 300cm x 350cm (9ft 10in x 11ft 6in).
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Elmwood Avenue.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Elmwood Avenue)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Elmwood Avenue.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Students Union Elmwood and Elmwood Building - Geography 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 320cm x 500cm (10ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the car park from the Students Union Elmwood.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Students Union Elmwood.
    • The nearest designated bay is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the Students Union Elmwood.

Level Change (Elmwood Avenue (Unavailable a time of Survey due to Construction Work))

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located between Elmwood Avenue and the main entrance.
  • There is/are 9 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There were construction works at the time of survey blocking this route to the Building (August 2021).
    • There is an alternative set of seven steps nearby. This can be seen in photograph 3.

Site/Campus Car Park (Fitzwilliam Street Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Fitzwilliam Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Geography Building, Guthrie House, 42 Fitzwilliam Street and Students Union Elmwood.
    • 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 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 400cm x 530cm (13ft 1in x 17ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • 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 Geography Building.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the 42 Fitzwilliam Street Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 42m (45yd 2ft) from the 42 Fitzwilliam Street Building.

Level Change (Car Park)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located between the car park and the building.
  • There is/are 6 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternate lower car park from which the building can be accessed by an additional slight slope with a handrail on the right or a set of five medium steps. These can be seen in photographs 3 and 4.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 190cm (6ft 3in).

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The main reception is located between the first and second entrance doors.
  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • Some of the stairs between the second and third floors have handrails on either side as can be seen in photograph 3.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 800kg.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main 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 130cm x 142cm (4ft 3in x 4ft 8in).
  • 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 not 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 good.

Eating and Drinking (Lounge)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the lounge.
    • The lounge is located on the first floor of the building in front of you on exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access, via lift, to the lounge.
    • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • 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 .
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Self-Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 85cm.
    • Tea and coffee are available from the counter free of charge. There are also microwaves for cooking available.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 72cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 75cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 75cm.
    • There are also long tables, sofas and booths.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 32cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 108cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There are lockers available in the lounge available from 08:30 to 19:00 and cost £1 to use. The lowest is 26cm from the floor and the highest is 164cm from the floor. These lockers can be seen in photograph 14.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground, first and second floors.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the first and second floors..
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the ground floor accessible toilet.

Toilet with Adaptations (0G.003)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on entrance to the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a gender neutral 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 170cm x 214cm (5ft 7in x 7ft).
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • 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 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 low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 cistern.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm (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) 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 low.
    • 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 103cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • 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 86cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (01.014a)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the building on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a gender neutral toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and 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 may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 170cm x 240cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 100cm 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 high.
    • 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).
  • 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 cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • 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 low.
    • 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 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 high.
    • 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 114cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Toilet with Adaptations (02.017)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the second floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a gender neutral 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 145cm x 203cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 8in).
    • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 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 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 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 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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 96cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor to your right on exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the 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.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the second floor to your right on exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the 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.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.